p-Phenylenediamine allergy: the role of Bandrowski's base.

Abstract

p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is a commonly used hair-dye and a potent skin allergen. The mechanism of sensitization is unknown, as PPD is protein unreactive. We studied Bandrowski's base (BB), a PPD trimer, as well as 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ), a PPD hapten. PPD patch-test positive patients were patch-tested to BB and BQ. All tests were negative to 0.01% BQ and 0.01% BB. Five of 14 (35.7%) tested had true positive reactions to 0.1% BQ. One percent BQ was found to be irritant. Seven of 43 tested (16%) were positive to either 0.1% or 1% BB. The positive reactions to BB were weak, even when PPD reactions were strong. Mice lymph node assay gave EC3 values of 0.14% for PPD compared with 0.03% for BB. Therefore, BB is approximately 10 times more potent than PPD, taking into account the molarity. We suggest that while PPD may act as a prohapten, there is probably a spectrum of antigenic determinants in vivo. BB may be bound or metabolized by keratinocytes before it reacts with Langerhans cells.

• Authors: J M L White, P Kullavanijaya, I Duangdeeden, R Zazzeroni, N J Gilmour, D A Basketter, J P McFadden
• Journal: Clinical and experimental allergy : journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Clin Exp Allergy) Vol. 36 Issue 10 Pg. 1289-93 (Oct 2006) ISSN: 0954-7894 [Print] England
• PMID: 17014438 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Benzoquinones
• Coloring Agents
• Hair Dyes
• Haptens
• Phenylenediamines
• Bandrowski's base
• quinone
• 4-phenylenediamine

Topics

• Animals
• Benzoquinones
• Coloring Agents (adverse effects)
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (diagnosis, etiology)
• Dermatitis, Occupational (diagnosis, etiology)
• Hair Dyes
• Haptens
• Humans
• Immunologic Tests
• Lymph Nodes (immunology)
• Mice
• Mice, Inbred CBA
• Phenylenediamines (adverse effects)
• Skin Tests
• Thailand
• United Kingdom