Inhibition of contact sensitivity in the mouse by topical application of corticosteroids

1. Topical application of oxazolone to the ears of mice previously sensitized to this hapten resulted in a marked increase in ear weight 24 h later.

2. Topical application of hydrocortisone, betamethasone 17-valerate, fluocinolone acetonide or triamcinolone acetonide inhibited this response in a dose dependent manner.

3. The free alcohols of the three fluorinated compounds were only weakly active.

4. Activity in this model was truly local. Oral administration of hydrocortisone or fluocinolone acetonide at doses comparable to those used topically failed to inhibit the ear swelling.

5. Some steroids with poor anti-inflammatory properties had no significant effect.