Identification of Contact Allergens: The Mouse Ear Sensitization Assay

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Abstract
Although guinea pig models of contact hypersensitivity are widely used, less expensive and less time-consuming alternatives are still needed. A new and easy method is described that can help to determine the sensitizing potential of drugs and chemicals in Balb/c mice. In this protocol, the test substance is applied twice on the right ear with an initial scapular subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant. The degree of contact hypersensitivity is deduced from left ear swelling, calculated as the difference in ear thickness measured immediately before and 24 hr after challenge. A preliminary validation process with 18 known positive and 10 negative reference sensitizers suggests that the mouse ear sensitizing assay is potentially valuable for detecting skin allergens.

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