Local and systemic desensitization induced by repeated epicutaneous hapten application.

Frequent skin exposure of guinea pigs to the contact sensitizing agents dinitrochlorobenzene or 4-ethoxymethylene-2-phenyloxazolone induced both systemic hyposensitization and local unresponsiveness within 8 weeks. Both phenomena were hapten-specific. Decreased systemic reactivity in repeatedly painted guinea pigs is probably not due to receptor blockade or the development of hapten-specific antibodies, but rather to transient sequestration of hapten-specific effector cells within lymph nodes draining the site of hapten exposure. After discontinuation of allergen exposure, effector cells return into the circulation, as indicated by a reversal of systemic hyporesponsiveness within 5 weeks. The persistence of a cellular infiltrate at the site of repeated application and the hapten-specific unresponsiveness at this site suggest that suppressor cells play a role in local unresponsiveness. Upon discontinuation of allergen exposure, local unresponsiveness rapidly dissolves (within one week). Since the circulation is still depleted of effector cells, residual hyporesponsiveness may persist for longer periods.