INCREASED IGE ANTIOVALBUMIN LEVEL IN MICE EXPOSED TO FORMALDEHYDE

The effect of formaldehyde exposure on the sensitization of mice to ov albumin was investigated. Significantly increased IgE antiovalbumin ti ters were found in mice sensitized intranasally to ovalbumin and expos ed for 10 days to 2 mg/m(3) of formaldehyde. In contrast, mice not exp osed to formaldehyde or exposed once a week produced low levels of thi s antibody. The exposure of mice, sensitized intraperitoneally with ov albumin, to formaldehyde did not increase sensitization. It was conclu ded that formaldehyde facilitates sensitization of mice to ovalbumin b y changes that occur in the respiratory tract.