Comparative study of methods chosen by the Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR) for evaluating sensitizing potential in the albino guinea-pig.

An evaluation was made of the different protocols recommended by the Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR) for assessing the sensitizing potential of chemicals in the guinea-pig. The methods studied were those of Magnusson & Kligman (J. invest. Derm. 1969, 52, 268), Maguire (J. Soc. cosmet. Chem. 1973, 24, 151), Maurer et al. (Agents & Actions 1975, 5, 174), Klecak et al. (J. Soc. cosmet. Chem. 1977, 28, 53), Dossou & Sicard (1984, to be published) and a hitherto unpublished method of Guillot, Gonnet, Clément & Brulos. Results obtained by each method were compared in tests on the allergenic reference substances dihydrocoumarin, p-phenylenediamine, formalin, penicillin G and benzocaine (ethoform) and on propylene glycol (negative control). The results showed that the number of animals sensitized often varies with the choice of experimental protocol, that inclusion of tests on a control substance is essential, and that while quantitative differences were found, the methods were qualitatively similar in their capacity to identify allergens in the guinea-pig.