Nickel (Ni) dermatitis is thought to involve the formation of complexe
s between Ni ions and suitable proteins. 4 groups of 30 subjects who g
ave positive patch test responses to NiSO4 2.9% aq. were each retested
to 1 of 4 different solutions containing equimolar (0.1 M) amounts of
NiSO4 PIUS MgSO4, NiSO4 PlUS CuSO4, NiSO4 plus ZnSO4, and NiSO4 plus
Li2SO4, respectively. The results, evaluated at 2 days by visual scori
ng only, demonstrated that the 4 metals exerted a different influence
on the nickel reactions, perhaps interfering with one or more factors
affecting the formation of Ni+ + complexes.