Experimental Studies on the Pathogenesis of Contact Eczema in the Guinea-Pig

Abstract

From these experiments the following conception of the pathogenesis of contact eczema is postulated. The influences emerging from the place of primary contact with the antigen (DNCB) are transmitted by the lymph vessels to the regional lymph nodes. In this function the nervous system was excluded. The regional lymph nodes are indispensable for the development of contact eczema, as demonstrated by their extirpation. The regional lymph nodes may be only a part of the systems which transmit the influences emerging from the contact place to the organs where antibody-like factors are produced or may themselves produce such factors. The latter postulation is partially confirmed by Skog who obtained positive transfer experiments using among other agents lymph fluid from the thoracic duct. We do not know whether, beside the regional lymph nodes, other organs or systems also participate in the production of antibody-like factors. These processes may be looked for especially during the incubation period, i.e. during the first 5 days after primary contact. We consider that the factors responsible for sensitization of the entire skin are spread by the blood. It seems less probable that transmission occurs via the nervous system. We believe that this study contributed certain links clarifying the pathogenesis of contact eczema. A possible role of the regional lymph nodes in the production of antibody-like factors is suggested. This problem, however, together with the mechanism of the allergic response of the skin (test) requires further study.