Reactions of epidermal keratinocytes in sensitized and non-sensitized guinea pigs after dichromate exposure: an electron microscopic study.

The reaction in epidermal keratinocytes in sensitized and non-sensitized, normal guinea pigs after dichromate exposure has been investigated by electron microscopy. The results of the investigation show that the morphological alterations in keratinocytes in irritant and contact allergic reactions to dichromate are of a nonspecific nature. This underlines the fact that morphological reactions in the keratinocyte are uniform. The reactions were dose- and time-dependent. The morphology of the contact allergic reaction to dichromate in the guinea pig is consistent with that described for DNCB.