CONTACT HYPERSENSITIVITY TO DICYCLOHEXYLCARBODIIMIDE AND DIISOPROPYLCARBODIIMIDE IN FEMALE B6C3F1 MICE

Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) are t wo commonly used coupling reagents in protein synthesis resulting in e xposure of individuals in chemical and pharmaceutical industries as we ll as research laboratories involved in protein synthesis and recombin ant DNA techniques. The objectives of these studies were to determine the irritation and sensitizing potential of these two compounds when a pplied topically to B6C3F1 mice. Sensitization potential was assessed by the Mouse Ear Swelling Test (MEST) and the murine Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA). Concentrations used in the contact hypersensitivity assa ys were determined by primary irritancy studies. DCC and DIC were iden tified as both irritants and contact sensitizers with the MEST being a more sensitive indicator of sensitization potential. The MEST identif ied DCC as a sensitizer at concentrations as low as 0.006% (w/v) 24 hr and 48 hr post challenge and DIC at 0.3% (w/v) and 1.5% (w/v) 24 and 48 hr post challenge, respectively. In the LLNA, the lowest concentrat ions yielding a significant response were 0.06% (w/v)for DCC and 10% ( w/v) for DIC.