Optimization of an in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis assay for predictive assessment of immunologic responsiveness to contact sensitizers

Computer models versus reality: how well do in silico models currently predict the sensitization potential of a substance

National legislations for the assessment of the skin sensitization potential of chemicals are increasingly based on the globally harmonized system (GHS). In this study, experimental data on 55 non-sensitizing and 45 sensitizing chemicals were evaluated according to GHS criteria and used to test the performance of computer (in silico) models for the prediction of skin sensitization. Statistic models (Vega, Case Ultra, TOPKAT), mechanistic models (Toxtree, OECD (Q)SAR toolbox, DEREK) or a hybrid model (TIMES-SS) were evaluated. Between three and nine of the substances evaluated were found in the individual training sets of various models. Mechanism based models performed better than statistical models and gave better predictivities depending on the stringency of the domain definition. Best performance was achieved by TIMES-SS, with a perfect prediction, whereby only 16% of the substances were within its reliability domain. Some models offer modules for potency; however predictions did not correlate well with the GHS sensitization subcategory derived from the experimental data. In conclusion, although mechanistic models can be used to a certain degree under well-defined conditions, at the present, the in silico models are not sufficiently accurate for broad application to predict skin sensitization potentials.

Characterization of the Sensitizing Potential of Chemicals by In Vitro Analysis of Dendritic Cell Activation and Skin Penetration

Development of in vitro models to identify sensitizing chemicals receives public interest since animal testing should be avoided whenever possible. In this article we analyze two essential properties of sensitizing chemicals: skin penetration and dendritic cell (DC) activation. Activation of immature DC derived from peripheral blood monocytes was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis of CD86 positive cells and quantitative measurement of interleukin-1beta and aquaporin P3 gene expression. The sensitizer 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid induced a concentration-dependent response for all parameters, whereas the irritant sodium lauryl sulfate did not. When two related aromatic amines, p-toluylenediamine (PTD) and hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine (HE-PPD) were tested, both induced substantial DC activation indicating their potential sensitizing properties. These findings contrasted with in vivo results: in murine local lymph node assays (LLNA) PTD, but not HE-PPD, was sensitizing using acetone/aqua/olive oil as vehicle. Skin penetration measurement revealed that this was due to bioavailability differences. On retesting HE-PPD in the LLNA using the penetration enhancer dimethylsulfoxide as vehicle, it induced a specific response. We conclude that in vitro analysis of DC activation capability of the two selected chemicals demonstrates that prediction of skin sensitization potential is possible provided that skin penetration data indicate sufficient bioavailability of the test compound.

Immunotoxicity of epicutaneously applied anticoagulant rodenticide warfarin: evaluation by contact hypersensitivity to DNCB in rats

The immunotoxicity of epicutaneously administered anticoagulant rodenticide warfarin (WF) was examined in this work by using experimental contact hypersensitivity (CHS) reaction to hapten dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB). WF (0.05 and 0.5 mg/kg) administration 24 h before the induction of CHS does not change expression of CHS evaluated by ear swelling assay. Regional draining lymph node response during sensitization phase was characterized by decreased cellularity but increased spontaneous and IL-2 stimulated proliferation of draining lymph node cells (DLC). No changes in IL-2 production and in numbers of CD25(+) cells were noted and even decreased proliferative index (ratio of IL-2 stimulated to unstimulated DLC proliferation) was detected. Increase in granulocyte activity (MTT reduction and adhesion to plastic) was noted following application of WF solely with further increase following subsequent application of DNCB, when granulocyte activation (NBT reduction) was noted also. Access of WF into general circulation might be responsible for observed changes, what was supported by ex vivo changes in DLC and granulocyte functions assessed before initiation of sensitization and by in vitro effect of exogenous WF as well. Differential effects of WF on lymphocytes and granulocytes noted in this study highlight the need for simultaneous testing of both cell type activity what might constitute a more integrated approach in immunotoxicity studies.

Contact allergens, but not irritants, alter receptor-mediated endocytosis by human epidermal Langerhans cells

Allergic contact dermatitis is a T-cell-mediated inflammation, induced by contact with sensitizers and occurring through the release of epidermal cytokines and the activation of epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs). The aim of this study was to analyse early events of LC activation induced either by contact allergens or by irritants devoid of any contact allergenic properties. in order to obtain an in vitro method to discriminate between these two groups of molecules. Various contact sensitizers and irritants were studied for their effects on the endocytosis of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) molecules by freshly-isolated human epidermal LCs. As observed by flow cytometry, a spontaneous decrease in the surface expression of MHC-II (HLA-DR) molecules, linked to spontaneous internalization of the MHC-II molecules by LCs, was obtained by moving freshly-isolated LCs from 4 degrees C to 37 degrees C. Pre-incubation of LCs with either sensitizers or irritants increased the spontaneous internalization of HLA-DR molecules with a similar magnitude, but no clear discrimination between sensitizer and irritant effects was obtained by flow cytometry analysis. In contrast, confocal microscopy enabled discrimination between the effects of sensitizers and irritants: sensitizer-treated samples showed internalized HLA-DR molecules aggregated in large vesicles with very bright fluorescence; irritant-treated samples were not different from untreated controls and showed compact HLA-DR molecules in small vesicles with diffuse fluorescence, and mostly localized in the submembranous zone. Electron microscopy demonstrated that sensitizer-treated LCs internalized HLA-DR molecules preferentially in lysosomes collected near the nucleus, whereas the irritant-treated and non-treated LCs internalized these molecules in the prelysosomes only near the cell membrane. We conclude that contact allergens and irritants induce distinct patterns of HLA-I)R endocytosis, which may be useful for the development of in vitro screening tests.

Effects of contact sensitizers neomycin sulfate, benzocaine and 2,4-dinitrobenzene 1-sulfonate, sodium salt on viability, membrane integrity and IL-1 alpha mRNA expression of cultured normal human keratinocytes

The toxic effect of three potential contact sensitization chemicals [the aminoglycosidic antibiotic neomycin sulfate, the local anaesthetic benzocaine and the primary sensitizer 2,4-dinitrobenzene 1-sulfonate, sodium salt (DNBS)], on cultured human keratinocytes was examined. The three chemicals were compared with respect to their cytotoxic potential (determined by crystal violet staining assay), their membrane disruptive potential ([3H]arachidonic acid release assay), and their effects on interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) mRNA expression [reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)]. At the concentrations used, neomycin sulfate (0.004-0.32%) and benzocaine (0.0165-0.165%) did not show relevant cytotoxicity or membrane perturbation. On the other hand, DNBS (0.001-1%) caused a significant dose-dependent cytotoxic response at concentrations higher than 0.1%, while the [3H]arachidonic acid release assay indicated absence of membrane perturbation activity in all the range of DNBS concentrations examined. The effects of the three sensitizers on IL-1 alpha mRNA expression were varied; neomycin sulfate caused a dose-dependent induction of IL-1 alpha mRNA, benzocaine did not significantly affect its signal, and DNBS suppressed IL-1 alpha gene expression.

Cytokines and regulation of allergic sensitization to chemicals

Sensitization to chemicals and the elicitation of allergic reactions results from the stimulation of specific immune responses. Adaptive immunity is orchestrated by cytokines, a family of inducible glycoproteins that influence in many ways the behaviour of, and interaction between, cells which mediate immune and inflammatory responses. In this article the role of cytokines in the development of cutaneous immune responses to chemical allergens and in directing the quality of immune responses provoked by such materials is discussed.

Optimization of the mouse ear swelling test for in vivo and in vitro studies of weak contact sensitizers

Murine models for the assessment of the contact sensitizing properties of chemicals rely on mouse ear swelling tests (Mest), which are not sensitive enough to detect weak sensitizers. The aim of the present study was to develop in mice an adjuvant-free Mest appropriate for in vivo detection of any type of sensitizer (weak to strong), and useful for in vitro assessment of contact sensitivity (CS). 3 haptens were tested: dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), para-phenylenediamine (pPD) and isoeugenol. We compared various protocols for induction of the CS reaction, differing by the site of induction, the number of applications and the concentrations of the 3 haptens. Comparison of the induction site for optimal CS reaction showed that, in Balb/c mice, the back was a better site of induction than the abdomen. Detection of the sensitizing properties of weak sensitizers (pPD, isoeugenol) was possible using an adjuvant-free protocol, provided that the induction phase comprised hapten applications on 3 consecutive days on the backs of animals. For DNCB, one application was sufficient to obtain optimal CS reaction. For all 3 haptens, a secondary response in vitro was obtained using semi-purified lymph node T cells from animals sensitized 5 days before with the optimized Mest. These results demonstrate that the Mest could be a useful experimental model for the study of all types of contact sensitizers.

Challenge assay in vitro using lymphocyte blastogenesis for the contact hypersensitivity assay

To confirm positivity in routine guinea pig studies, contact allergenicity was investigated by a challenge assay in vitro using a co-culture of autologous lymphocytes passed through a nylon-wool column and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) modified with or without antigen. Proliferation of the lymphocytes primed with ovalbumin and/or 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene was antigen specific and dependent on the presence of APCs (peripheral blood monocytes, splenic macrophages and macrophages induced by liquid paraffin). For another nine haptens, primed lymphocytes proliferated significantly more than control lymphocytes; the stimulation index (SI; ratio between [3H]methylthymidine ([3H]TdR) incorporation of lymphocytes with antigen-modified APCs and [3H]TdR incorporation of lymphocytes with APCs not modified by antigen) was 1.6-4.8 in sensitized animals whereas it was about 1.0 in control animals. Sodium dodecyl sulfate did not cause lymphocyte proliferation. The SI value in vitro was correlated with both the positive rate in vivo (r = 0.736) and the mean response score in vivo (r = 0.645). Thus, it was possible to confirm that positivity in routine experiments was a true sign of allergy. A combination of this assay and short-term animal studies would provide an efficient assessment of the allergic potential of chemicals.

Approaches to the identification and classification of chemical allergens in mice

During the last 10 years understanding of the immunobiological mechanisms whereby chemicals induce allergy has increased significantly. In parallel there have emerged opportunities to develop alternative methods for the prospective identification and classification of chemical contact and respiratory allergens. Attention has focused largely on the mouse, and several novel approaches to the identification of contact allergens have been described, among them the local lymph node assay, the mouse ear swelling test and, most recently, the noninvasive mouse ear swelling assay (MESA). Progress has been made also in defining methods for measuring respiratory sensitization potential in mice. Recent evidence indicates that respiratory and contact allergens provoke qualitatively different immune responses characteristic of selective T helper (Th) cell activation. Evaluation of the nature of immune responses induced in mice by chemicals may permit not only assessment of allergenic potential, but also prediction of the form allergic reactions will take.

Dendritic cells and cutaneous immune responses to chemical allergens

This article reviews the role of epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) in the development of cutaneous immune responses to chemical allergens. Following topical exposure to sensitizing chemicals, LC, many of which bear allergen, are induced to migrate from the skin, via the afferent lymphatics, to the draining lymph nodes. The phenotypic and functional changes to which LC are subject during this process and their development into active immunostimulatory cells closely resembling lymphoid dendritic cells is discussed. The migration and maturation of LC following skin sensitization is of critical importance to the effective presentation of chemical allergens to T lymphocytes and the induction of allergic responses. Evidence is reviewed which suggests that these events are initiated and regulated by epidermal cytokines. The conclusion drawn is that an early event during the induction of skin sensitization is the production by keratinocytes of cytokines which stimulate the migration of LC from the skin and which also result in the functional maturation of LC into potent antigen-presenting cells.

A murine in vitro model of allergic contact dermatitis to sesquiterpene alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones

The use of a lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) to provide evidence of allergic contact dermatitis was investigated. The haptens studied were alantolactone and isoalantolactone, two moderate allergens from Inula helenium L., a decorative and medicinal plant. Only alantolactone showed a significant response in vivo and in vitro in mice sensitized epicutaneously, without using Freund's complete adjuvant. Isoalantolactone did not show any sensitizing capacity in the murine model studied. The comparison of in vitro lymphocyte proliferation and in vivo allergenic capacity showed a good correlation and clearly demonstrates that, of the two sesquiterpene lactones, alantolactone is the better sensitizer.

Study of dose-response relationship in contact sensitivity using an in vitro assay

Dose-response relationships in contact sensitivity were evaluated in guinea pigs using an in vitro assay. Guinea pigs were sensitized with different doses of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB) and challenged with DNCB and 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic salt (DNBS). Lymph node cells from sensitized and control guinea pigs were cultured in the presence of different doses of DNCB and DNBS at 8 x 10(5) cells/well, respectively. The sensitivity was evaluated by the lymphocyte transformation test (LTT), which was assessed by uptake of 3H-thymidine. The results indicated that there were significant correlations between the doses of sensitizers and the values of LTT in both phases of induction and challenge. Thus, the presence of higher numbers of LTT-reactive lymphocytes in the circulation may well correlate with the sensitizing doses. The values examined by in vitro assay correlated well with patch test readings (r = 0.653), indicating that following the increment of degree of patch test reactions, the values of SI were also increased. The in vitro LTT may discriminate between positive patch test reactions and negative or doubtful reactions, but not between weak positive and strong positive reactions. The in vitro assay reproduced the cross-reaction between DNCB and DNBS which was confirmed in vivo.

Computer program for planning and evaluating microplate experiments

A microcomputer program is described for planning and statistically evaluating microplate and other similar experiments. This program is written in BASIC and can be run on any PC XT/AT compatible computer under DOS. The first part of the program writes the protocol of the experiment into a disk file and sends it to a printer and also prints specifications for the addition of ingredients. The second part of the program calculates means and standard deviations of the values measured for all groups of samples. It is also possible for the program to calculate activation coefficients, coefficients of modulation and percentages of suppression for special groups. Inputting the required data can be performed manually from the keyboard or automatically from disk files.

Examination of tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCSA) photoallergy using in vitro photohapten-modified Langerhans cell-enriched epidermal cells

Lymphocytes from BALB/c mice photosensitized in vivo to tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCSA) were investigated to determine whether they could be stimulated to proliferate when cultured with Langerhans cell-enriched cultured epidermal cells (LC-EC) photohapten-modified in vitro with TCSA + UVA radiation. Cultured LC-EC were photohapten-modified in vitro by irradiation in TCSA-containing medium using a 1000-watt solar simulator equipped with filters to deliver primarily UVA radiation (320-400 nm). Lymphocytes from TCSA-photosensitized mice were incubated with LC-EC that had been treated in vitro with 0.1 mM TCSA and 2 J/cm2 UVA radiation (TCSA + UVA). Responder lymphocytes demonstrated a significant increase in their blastogenesis response compared to lymphocytes that were incubated with LC-EC irradiated with UVA prior to treatment with TCSA (UVA/TCSA) or with LC-EC that had received no treatment. Lymphocytes from naive mice or mice photosensitized with musk ambrette (MA) demonstrated a significantly lower response to LC-EC modified with TCSA + UVA, indicating the specificity of the response. Maximum blastogenesis response was achieved when LC-EC were treated with 0.1 mM TCSA and a UVA radiation dose of at least 0.5 J/cm2. Epidermal cells depleted of LC by treatment with anti-Ia antibody plus complement or by an adherence procedure were unable to stimulate this blastogenesis response. Epidermal cells treated in vitro with TCSA + UVA demonstrated enhanced fluorescence compared to control cells. The fluorescence observed was not restricted to any specific epidermal cell type; however, fluorescence microscopy studies revealed that dendritic Ia-positive cells, presumably LC, were also TCSA fluorescent. Flow cytometry showed that Ia-positive epidermal cells demonstrated the greatest UV fluorescence when treated with TCSA + UVA compared to both cells irradiated with UVA and subsequently treated with TCSA and untreated cells. This is consistent with the enhanced antigen presentation capability of TCSA + UVA treated LC-EC, which leads to the conclusion that LC photohapten-modified in vitro with TCSA + UVA demonstrate enhanced TCSA fluorescence and are capable of stimulating lymphocytes from TCSA photosensitized mice in an antigen-specific manner.

Cross-antigenicity between the scabies mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, and the house dust mite, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

This study demonstrated that antigens of the parasitic mite Sarcoptes scabiei (SS) cross-react with antigens of the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP). Crossed immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) reaction of SS extract with rabbit anti-DP serum resulted in multiple immunoprecipitates. Reciprocal CIE reactions gave similar results. Immunoprecipitates from both reactions bound IgE in the sera of dust-mite-sensitive patients who had no history of scabies. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis resolved protein/peptide bands of both SS and DP also bound serum IgE from dust-mite-allergic patients following immunoblotting. Non-allergic control sera gave no IgE binding to either SS or DP antigens. These results indicate that patients with atopy to dust mites exhibit circulating antibodies built to DP but that recognize determinants on SS antigens. It is highly probable that scabietic patients build antibodies to SS antigens that also recognize DP antigens. These results raise questions concerning the reported isotypic antibody responses to SS because the sensitivity of scabietic patients to house dust mites has not been previously evaluated. This cross-reactivity may play an important role in the susceptibility to scabies and its clinical manifestations.

Immunosuppressive effects of clonidine on the induction of contact sensitization in the balb/c mouse

The clonidine transdermal therapeutic system (clonidine-TTS) has been associated with a significant incidence of allergic contact sensitization. This incidence was not predicted by premarket skin sensitization testing in animals or humans. One possible explanation lies in recent findings in guinea pigs that clonidine exposure could inhibit the elicitation of skin reactions to unrelated strong contact sensitizers. However, these studies also showed that clonidine pretreatment did not appear to affect the induction of contact sensitization. On this basis, we sought to specifically evaluate the induction phase of sensitization to clonidine as an alternative means of assessing its sensitization properties. The method selected was the assay of in situ lymphocyte proliferation in lymph nodes draining the sites of clonidine exposure, a method recently promoted as an alternative means to assess contact allergenic potential. Utilizing various induction application techniques and regimens, we were consistently unable to demonstrate clonidine's allergenic potential through such an assessment of lymphocyte proliferation. We were also unable to demonstrate sensitization by in vivo ear swelling or in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis assay techniques. However, a subsequent assessment of the effect of clonidine exposure on the induction of sensitization to unrelated strong contact allergens demonstrated a consistent 40-70% inhibition of the proliferative response to the contact allergens oxazolone and trinitrochlorobenzene. This was similar to the degree of suppression produced by the corticosteroids fluocinonide and hydrocortisone when they were tested at 80 and 10 times lower concentrations. In addition, we observed a comparable inhibition of the ear swelling response to oxazolone. These data extend our knowledge of the immunomodulatory effects of clonidine and offer additional mechanistic insights into the failure of short-term predictive patch-test methods to detect this chemical's potential to induce allergic contact sensitization.

Use of an optimized in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis assay to detect contact sensitivity to nickel sulfate in mice

This study was designed to determine whether an optimized in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis assay for identification of strong contact sensitizers would also detect sensitization to the weaker, clinically relevant allergen nickel sulfate (NiSO4). Though NiSO4 is effective in eliciting allergic skin reactions in patients sensitized to nickel-containing metals, it has been difficult to assess its potential to induce sensitization using standard or developmental in vivo animal tests. In vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis has been useful in the diagnosis of nickel allergy in humans, but has not been applied to predictive testing in animals. We used a previously optimized lymphocyte blastogenesis assay to determine whether lymphocytes from NiSO4-treated mice would exhibit NiSO4-specific proliferation and whether this would correlate with an in vivo ear swelling response. BALB/c mice given repeated open induction applications of NiSO4 were ear challenged, then lymphocytes from the draining nodes were cultured with Langerhans cell-enriched epidermal cells (EC), EC + soluble NiSO4, or NiSO4-modified EC (modified by preincubation with NiSO4). The NiSO4-modified EC stimulated significant NiSO4-specific proliferation. EC + soluble NiSO4 stimulated a nonspecific blastogenic response in lymphocytes from both NiSO4-treated and naive mice. There was no ear swelling response to NiSO4 using standard challenge procedures. However, exaggeration of the challenge procedure by gently abrading the ears just prior to NiSO4 application resulted in significant ear swelling, thereby supporting the conclusion that the in vitro results were indicative of in vivo sensitization.

A review of the Buehler guinea pig skin sensitization test and its use in a risk assessment process for human skin sensitization

The Buehler test is a valuable procedure for screening the sensitization potential of chemicals prior to human exposure. Our experience of over 20 years has shown it to be effective in detecting strong, moderate, and most weak sensitizers. The topical exposure inherent in the Buehler test allows it to be utilized to investigate dose responses, cross reactivity between structurally related chemicals, and the sensitization potential of contaminants in raw material mixtures. For safety assessment purposes, Buehler test results provide an initial indication of the sensitization potential of the material in question under relevant, but exaggerated, exposure conditions. These results can be compared to results on benchmark chemicals to assess sensitization risk for subsequent human exposure. Optimizing the sensitivity of the Buehler test requires adherence to the published methodology and proper interpretation of the challenge and rechallenge data obtained. Adjuvant-type test methods are generally considered to be more sensitive than topical methods. However, when done properly, topical test procedures such as the Buehler test or the open epicutaneous test can accurately detect most chemicals with any realistic potential for sensitizing humans by the topical route. Moreover, from a risk assessment perspective, these topical tests avoid the problems of overestimating the weak sensitization potential of many topically applied materials or underestimating the sensitization potential of very strong sensitizers; both are potential concerns with invasive adjuvant-type test methods. The Buehler test or other topical test methods are particularly valuable for comparative sensitization risk assessment since human sensitization data on benchmark materials are all derived from topical exposure. The risk assessment is developed by comparing the guinea pig data on the new material versus relevant benchmark chemicals or formulations and also by evaluating the existing human sensitization data on the benchmark material. These data are then utilized to predict human sensitization risk from topical exposure to the new material. Confirmation of human safety can be derived from human repeat insult patch testing (HRIPT) and other clinical tests such as the product use test and the diagnostic patch test. Utilized in this manner, the Buehler test is an integral component of an overall skin sensitization safety assessment program for a new chemical or product formulation.

Aspects of the immune response to contact allergens: opportunities for the development and modification of predictive test methods

A variety of guinea-pig tests are currently employed to assess the skin-sensitizing potential of chemicals. Although some such tests, in particular the guinea-pig maximization test and the occluded patch test of Buehler, have become well established, widely applied and are of proven value in the safety evaluation of chemicals, they have certain limitations. It is the purpose of this review to examine various aspects of the immune response to contact allergens and the way in which an understanding of the molecular and cellular events that characterize the induction and elicitation of contact sensitivity may be applied to the development and modification of predictive test methods. Attention is focused on the role of dendritic cell migration and T lymphocyte activation during the induction phase of skin allergy and the association of acute-phase proteins and vasoactive amines with the elicitation reaction.

A risk assessment process for allergic contact sensitization

This review describes an approach that has been used to assess the skin sensitization risk of new chemicals and product formulations prior to launching the new chemical or product on the market. The risk assessment process utilizes a comparative toxicological approach, in which data on the inherent toxicity of a material, and the exposure to it through manufacturing or consumer use or foreseeable misuse, are integrated and compared with data generated by 'benchmark' materials of similar chemistry or product application, or both. This approach has been valuable in providing an accurate assessment of the skin sensitization potential for a wide range of consumer products and pharmaceuticals, ranging from products with a very transient skin exposure (e.g. some paper products), to cosmetics, to products whose ingredients may be deposited on fabrics and thus result in chronic skin exposure. The risk assessment process described includes both guinea-pig (Buehler) and human skin sensitization test methodologies to evaluate inherent toxicity under relevant epicutaneous exposure conditions. Alternative guinea-pig test methods have been reported to be more sensitive than the Buehler method, particularly those employing intradermal injection of the test material in Freund's complete adjuvant (e.g. maximization test). However, by bypassing the skin barrier at induction, these methods can overstate the sensitization risk of epicutaneous exposure to weak sensitizers (Andersen and Hamann, 1983 and 1984; Matsushita et al., 1975a,b), and can understate the risk to very strong sensitizers possibly through tolerance induction (Buehler, 1985). In addition, materials are tested and classified at concentrations that may not be relevant to anticipated human exposure. The Buehler guinea-pig test data are important in assessing skin sensitization risk in the early phases of product development, where human exposure can be limited, controlled and monitored (e.g. manufacturing employees). The Buehler test can often define consumer skin sensitization risk; however, the ultimate consumer skin safety assessment should in general be developed through a series of controlled human tests; the human repeat insult patch test and, when necessary, the provocative or extended product use tests. Post-market monitoring of skin-related consumer comments is the final phase of the data gathering process. These results can be used to assess further each product and to provide valuable feedback to confirm the validity of the overall risk assessment process. Risk assessment for skin sensitization potential is seldom a simple process.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)