Use of the occlusive patch to evaluate the photosensitive properties of chemicals in guinea-pigs.

Guinea-pig tests were conducted on a known photocontact allergen, tetrachlorosalicylanilide (TCSA), a known phototoxin, 8-methoxypsoralen, two reportedly weak photoallergens, musk ambrette and 6-methylcoumarin, and a negative control, octylphenoxy polyethoxyethanol (Triton X-15). The data show that under the test conditions used, photosensitivity responses can be produced, and combinations of these as well as the other biological responses can be readily defined. The results indicate that musk ambrette is photoallergenic, that 8-methoxypsoralen is phototoxic and that Triton X-15 is only a slight irritant. On the other hand, results with TCSA suggest that it is a strong contact allergen and photoallergen, while 6-methylcoumarin would be considered to be a weak contact allergen with weak phototoxic properties. Previous reports that barrier destruction or adjuvanticity is necessary to produce photoallergy to musk ambrette were not confirmed; by ensuring occlusion using standard methods, the photoallergic nature of the response to this material was clearly demonstrated. A device described elsewhere (Newmann & Parker, Fd Chem. Toxic. 1985, 23, 683) has made it possible to develop methods that can be used to differentiate clearly among the possible biological responses that can occur in guinea-pigs when photoreactive materials are applied to their skin and irradiated. The probable biological responses that need to be defined, under the above conditions, are primary irritation, delayed contact hypersensitivity, phototoxicity and/or photoallergenicity.