SOME ENDOCRINE ASPECTS OF SKIN SENSITIZATION AND PRIMARY IRRITATION .3. OBSERVATIONS ON THE INFLUENCE OF COLD EXPOSURE AND FORMALIN TREATMENT (SYSTEMIC STRESS) UPON CUTANEOUS IRRITATION AND SENSITIZATION

[摘要] Systemic stress in guinea-pigs induced by cold exposure and formalin injns., respectively, depresses cutaneous sensitivity to croton oil (a primary irritant) applied to the skin. However, the tendency towards necrosis displayed by the skin seems to increase 2-3 days after termination of stress. Systemic stress of similar natures decreases the hypersensitivity reaction to 2, 4-dinitro-chlorobenzene. On re-testing some few days after termination of stress the skin responses are more marked, and when the test is repeated after about 10 days, the degree of reactivity recorded does not differ from that preceding the stress. The wt. of the adrenals and their histo-chemical picture as to lipids were recorded. The part played by the cortico-adrenal steroids is pointed out; the antiphlogistic action of these compounds is considered the most important inhibitory factor. Results of research which seem to favor this supposition, and those that seem to discourage it, are reviewed.