EVALUATION OF SKIN SENSITIZATION AND CROSS-REACTION OF 9 ALKYLENEAMINES IN THE GUINEA-PIG MAXIMIZATION TEST

A group of nine alkyleneamines were investigated for their potential t o induce skin sensitization and to cross-react with one another to eli cit a hypersensitivity response. Ethylenediamine was the most potent s kin sensitizer, and diethylenetriamine was next in potency. The sensit izing potency was inversely correlated with the number of amine units. Cyclic amines such as piperazine had a lower sensitizing potency than the corresponding olefinic amines. Ethylenediamine also produced the strongest response in cross-reactions with other alkyleneamines, The r esults suggest that there was a direct correlation of the potencies to cause skin irritation, sensitization, and cross-sensitization in this family of alkyleneamines.