Proallergens of formaldehyde applied in patch testing of formaldehyde contact allergy.

Abstract

The ability of the nonliquid, nonvolatile proallergen of formaldehyde, N-hydroxymethylsuccinimide, to test for contact allergy to formaldehyde has been investigated by in vitro penetration studies in human epidermis. Compared with the standard test, 1% formaldehyde in water, N-hydroxymethylsuccinimide equal to 0.8 mg formaldehyde gave a similar penetration profile. This is explained by cleavage of N-hydroxymethylsuccinimide into formaldehyde and carrier (succinimide) by transepidermal water on the surface of the skin. Results were confirmed by a guinea pig maximazation test on animals sensitized to formaldehyde and in a preliminary clinical study on nine patients with known allergy to formaldehyde.

• Authors: J Hansen, S Albrechtsen, K Hedegård
• Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol) Vol. 21 Issue 4 Pt 2 Pg. 838-40 (Oct 1989) ISSN: 0190-9622 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2600209 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Allergens
• Succinimides
• Formaldehyde
• N-hydroxymethylsuccinimide

Topics

• Administration, Cutaneous
• Allergens (pharmacology)
• Dermatitis, Contact (diagnosis)
• Formaldehyde (immunology)
• Humans
• Patch Tests (methods)
• Skin Absorption (drug effects)
• Skin Tests (methods)
• Succinimides (pharmacology)