Cantharidin blisters: a technique for investigating leukocyte trafficking and cytokine production at sites of inflammation in humans

A skin blister technique is described which allows the investigation of acu te inflammation in humans in vivo. Filter paper discs are placed on the ski n, impregnated with cantharidin and covered with impermeable film held by a dhesive tape. The assembly is easily applied, unobtrusive, stable and may b e worn during normal activities. The blister formed at 24 h contains approx imately 5 X 10(5)-5 X 10(6) cells, predominantly neutrophils and macrophage s. Inflammatory cytokines and chemotactic factors are detectable in the bli ster fluid. The technique is useful for characterizing the acute inflammato ry response in health and disease. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All right s reserved.