Elicitation threshold of cobalt chloride: analysis of patch test dose-response studies.

Background: Cobalt is a strong skin sensitizer (grade 5 of 5 in the guinea-pig maximization test) that is used in various industrial and consumer applications. To prevent sensitization to cobalt and elicitation of allergic cobalt dermatitis, information about the elicitation threshold level of cobalt is important.

Objective: To identify the dermatitis elicitation threshold levels in cobalt-allergic individuals.

Can exposure limitations for well-known contact allergens be simplified? An analysis of dose-response patch test data.

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis is triggered by chemicals in the environment. Primary prevention is aimed at minimizing the risk of induction, whereas secondary and tertiary prevention are aimed at reducing elicitation.

Objectives: To identify the elicitation doses that will elicit an allergic reaction in 10% of allergic individuals under patch test conditions (ED(10) patch test) for different allergens, and to compare the results with those for different allergens and with animal data indicating sensitizing potency from the literature.

The dose-response relationship between the patch test and ROAT and the potential use for regulatory purposes.

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis is common and can be prevented. The relationship between thresholds for patch tests and the repeated open application test (ROAT) is unclear. It would be desirable if patch test and ROAT data from already sensitized individuals could be used in prevention.

Intracellular metabolism in biopsies from the aorta in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery.

Abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism in striated muscles and arterial wall has been demonstrated in 3 species: the pig, the dog, and human Type 2 diabetic patients, sharing the common feature of peripheral hyperinsulinaemia. In this study eighteen consecutive patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery and eight control patients were examined. Prior to surgery an oral glucose tolerance test showed that eleven out of eighteen patients had impaired glucose tolerance and significantly elevated fasting immune reactive insulin (IRI) and C-peptide concentrations.