Consumer available permanent hair dye products cause major allergic immune activation in an animal model

C M Bonefeld, J M Larsen, S Dabelsteen, C Geisler, I R White, T Menné, J D Johansen

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Background p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) and related substances are ingredients of more than two-thirds of oxidative (permanent) hair dyes currently used. Although PPD is a potent skin sensitizer in predictive assays, the extent to which permanent hair dyes sensitize humans has been questioned due to the in-use conditions, e.g. the presence of couplers in the hair dye gel and rapid oxidation using a developer. Objectives To study the skin sensitizing potential of permanent hair dyes in mice. Methods Two different permanent hair dye products containing PPD were studied in CBA mice using a modified version of the local lymph node assay. The colour gel and developer (oxidant) were tested separately and in combination. Response was measured by ear swelling and cytokine production in ear tissue and serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The immune cellular response in the draining lymph nodes was analysed by flow cytometry. Results Application of the colour gel both alone and mixed with the developer induced skin production of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumour necrosis factor-α and IL-6 as well as systemic IL-6 release. Both treatments induced B- and T-cell infiltration as well as T-cell proliferation within the draining lymph nodes. Treatment with the mixture induced at least 20% more skin inflammation, cytokine production and CD4+ T-cell activation compared with the colour gel alone. Conclusions Consumer available PPD-containing permanent hair dyes can be potent and rapid immune activators. Mixing the colour gel and developer (oxidant) increased the induction of skin inflammation compared with application of the colour gel alone.

Original languageEnglish
JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology
Volume162
Issue number1
Pages (from-to)102-107
Number of pages6
ISSN0007-0963
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2010

Keywords

  • Allergens
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cytokines
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact
  • Ear
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Hair Dyes
  • Interleukin-1beta
  • Interleukin-6
  • Lymph Nodes
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred CBA
  • Models, Animal
  • Patch Tests
  • Phenylenediamines
  • T-Lymphocytes
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

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