The local lymph node assay and potential application to the identificationof drug allergens

The local lymph node assay (LLNA) is a method for the identification of ski n sensitization hazard. The method is based upon measurement of proliferati ve responses induced in draining lymph nudes following topical exposure of mice to the test chemical. More recently the LLNA has: also been used for t he evaluation of relative skin sensitization potency in the context of risk assessment. Idiosyncratic drug reactions resulting from the stimulation of allergic or autoimmunogenic responses are poorly understood but represent an important clinical problem. In this article, the potential utility of th e LLNA. either in a conventional modified configuration, to provide informa tion of value in assessment the potential for systemic allergenicity is con sidered. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.