STUDIES ON THE SENSITIZATION OF ANIMALS WITH SIMPLE CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS. II

Abstract

In continuation of previous work sensitization experiments have been made with various substances such as urushiol, benzyl chlorides, and acyl chlorides. In the case of a series of substituted benzenes (Cl, NO2) a connection between sensitizing capacity and lability of the Cl or NO2 groups has been shown, indicating the formation of conjugated antigens in the animal. This led to the study of benzyl and acyl chlorides which, actually, were found to have sensitizing capacity. Most informative as to the relationship between reactions of the skin surface and anaphylaxis were experiments with acyl chlorides. Guinea pigs sensitized with p-chlorobenzoyl chloride showed, on the one hand, the usual surface lesions after application of the substance, and on the other typical anaphylactic shock following intravenous injection of a compound of p-chlorobenzoyl chloride and guinea pig serum; from which it may be inferred that the two types of allergic manifestation are closely related conditions.