THE RESPONSE OF THE HUMAN EPIDERMIS TO THE APPLICATION OF CARCINOGENIC HYDROCARBONS

[摘要] A 1% solution of 3-methylcholanthrene in benzene was applied to the normal epidermis of 11 volunteers. No clinically discernible change occurred. Microscopically, a slight to moderate increase in mitoses was found during the period of study from 1 to 7 days. This mitotic activity showed wide individual variations. A 1% solution of 3-methylcholanthrene in benzene was applied to an area of keratin-stripped epidermis. On clinical examination this area did not differ from the results of ordinary cellophane stripping painted with benzene only. Microscopically, the peak of mitoses was depressed but there was a prolonged increase during the period of study from 1 to 7 days. One volunteer received daily applications of 9,10-dimethyl-l,2-benzanthracene in mineral oil for a period of 7 days. One or two months later a single application produced an allergic papulo-vesicular response, both in the test site and the areas previously painted with 9,10-dimethyl-l,2-benzanthracene. This is interpreted as further evidence to support the view that the immunological status of the host is one of the factors involved in carcinogenesis. All cases have been followed for a period of 2 to 8 months. The keratin stripped and painted areas and biopsy sites healed normally. The purpose of this paper is not only to report the effects of carcinogenic hydrocarbons on the human skin but to present a method by which it is possible to study the mitosis-stimulating properties of various compounds, many of which are in common use.