Contact sensitivity in the murine oral mucosa. I. An experimental model of delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions at mucosal surfaces

Abstract

SUMMARYWe have examined in a murine model, the potential of the oral mucosa (OM)

The murine buccal mucosa is an inductive site for priming class I-restricted CD8+ effector T cellsin vivo

“…However, the presence within the suprabasal epithelial cell layer of a network of MHC class II þ CD1a þ dendritic cells (DC) expressing electron dense lysosomes and Birbeck granules, and analogous to that of Langerhans cells (LC) in the skin [4,5], suggests that the buccal mucosa represents a functional compartment of the MALT. This hypothesis has been supported by our recent observation that the murine buccal mucosa serves as an inductive site for local and remote hapten-specific CS responses [6] and that MHC class II þ DC represent the efficient antigen-presenting cells (APC) of the buccal mucosa [7]. Hence, we observed that within hours after either transepithelial injection of native protein or peptide, or after topical application of haptens onto the buccal epithelium, a substantial number of DC leave the buccal epithelium and migrate to draining cervico-mandibullary lymph nodes, where they acquire the capacity to activate naive or antigen-specific T cells [7].…”

Genital allergy

“…11 An experimental model of contact sensitivity for the murine oral mucosa does at least provide some theoretical basis for DTH reactions affecting the genital tract mucosa. 19 Spermicides Contact dermatitis to spermicidal preparations is an uncommon but well recognised condition, possibly more commonly affecting men. 20 The sensitising agent may be one of the active compounds (for example, benzocaine, monophenoxypolyethoxy derivatives, hexyl resorcinol, chloramine, quinine, or an associated fragrance).…”

Induction of cutaneous delayed hypersensitivity reactions in mice sensitized with intragastrically administered hapten: activation of Langerhans cells in the sensitization and elicitation phases

“…It is reported that the oral mucosa functions as the sensitization site 26,27 . The oesophagus and forestomach are similarly lined with the stratified squamous epithelium which bears LCs.…”