STREPTOZOTOCIN - INHERENT BUT NOT EXPRESSED SKIN SENSITIZING ACTIVITY

We have shown previously that the alkylating agent streptozotocin (STZ ) fails to induce responses in the murine local lymph node assay, a pr edictive test for contact sensitizing potential. In the present study, we demonstrate that this same compound when injected intradermally in to the ears of mice provokes a dose-dependent induction of draining ly mph node cell proliferation. These data indicate that the intrinsic im munogenicity of STZ is not displayed in the local lymph node assay und er conditions of conventional topical exposure, secondary to a failure to cross the lipophilic stratum corneum in sufficient quantities. Thi s finding has implications for the discernment of structure-activity r elationships in contact sensitization.