Sodium lauryl sulfate effect on the density of epidermal Langerhans cells. Evaluation of different test models.

The effect of different test models for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-induced irritant contact dermatitis on epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) numbers was examined. Finn Chambers, 8 and 12 mm, containing 15 and 34 or 50 microliters, respectively, of 1% aq. solution of SLS were applied to human forearm skin for 48 h as single or repeated application. The results showed a clear difference between the effects with the 2 chamber sizes. The effect of the 8-mm chambers could result in increased, unchanged or decreased LC numbers, while 12-mm chambers always produced a decrease. These results seem to explain, at least partly, the discrepant results reported from various laboratories.