Sulphanilic acid: divergent results in the guinea pig maximization test and the local lymph node assay |
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Authors: | D. A. Basketter E. W. Scholes M. Cumberbatch C. D. Evans I. Kimber |
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Affiliation: | Unilever Environmental Safety Laboratory, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire, UK. |
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Abstract: | The guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) has proven to be a valuable tool for the identification of the skin sensitization potential of chemicals. The method identifies a hazard which can lead in the EC to compulsory labelling of that chemical. In the present study, data on sulphanilic acid derived from the GPMT has been compared with results from a second guinea pig assay (the cumulative contact enhancement test) and the murine local lymph node assay, both of which require only topical application of chemical. Except for the GPMT, no test identified any sensitizing activity associated with exposure to sulphanilic acid. These latter results are consistent with the experience gained from substantial human exposure in an occupational setting and from which no cases of allergic contact dermatitis to sulphanilic acid have arisen over a 20-year period. In consequence, it is questioned which test protocol in practice has given the more accurate identification of sensitization hazard relevant to man. |
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Keywords: | sulphanilic acid 4-aminobenzene sulphonic acid CAS 121-57-3 guinea pig sensitization guinea pig maximization test cumulative contact enhancement test mouse sensitization murine local lymph node assay prevention risk assessment occupational |
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