Antigen in contact sensitivity: II. Scanning immunoelectron microscopic studies of the distribution of DNP groups on the epidermal cells of guinea pigs following skin painting with DNCB

The distribution of DNP groups on epidermal single cells and epidermal sheets prepared from the skin of guinea pigs three hours after painting with 5% DNCB-ethanol solution was examined by scanning immunoelectron microscopy using bacteriophage T4 as a visual marker. The study showed that DNP groups were distributed diffusely on the surface of epidermal cells, in particular keratinocytes, and suggests that DNCB may bind to the surface components of epidermal cells when painted on the skin.