Differential susceptibility between skin and vaginal mucosa in sensitization phase of allergic contact dermatitis in mice

Abstract

Introduction: Mechanisms underlying skin sensitization in allergic contact dermatitis have been actively studied using the murine contact hypersensitivity (CHS) model. However, much less is known about sensitization at the vaginal mucosa (VM). Methods: We developed a CHS model with VM sensitization and epicutaneous elicitation at the ear. We then examined the proliferation activity of lymphocytes, the frequencies of T cells and the differentiation of hapten-specific T cells in draining lymph nodes (dLNs) after sensitization. Results: Hapten-specific CHS responses to 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB), 2,4,6-trinitrochrolobenzene, and oxazolone assessed by ear swelling suggested that the VM would be an inductive site of CHS to haptens. In the comparisons of CHS responses to each of the three haptens examined, the lower responses in VM-sensitized mice were observed than skin-sensitized mice (e.g., DNFB-induced responses, −56%; p