Evaluation of an ex vivo murine local lymph node assay: multiple endpoint comparison.

The local lymph node assay (LLNA) is used to assess the skin sensitization potential of chemicals. In the standard assay, mice are treated topically on the dorsum of both ears with test substance for 3 days. Following 2 days of rest, the initiation of the hypersensitivity response is evaluated by injecting (3)H-thymidine into a tail vein, and then measuring the levels of radioisotope incorporated into the DNA of lymph node cells draining the ears.

Induction of apoptosis by cationic amphiphilic drugs amiodarone and imipramine.

Phospholipidosis is the excessive accumulation of intracellular phospholipids in cell lysosomes. Drugs that induce this disease often share common physiochemical properties and are collectively classified as cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs). Although the cause of phospholipidosis and morphologic appearance of affected lysosomes have been studied extensively, less is known about the physiologic effects of the condition.