[Alcyonidium gelatinosum (L.) (Bryozoa) and cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. Preliminary results of an experimental study].

The appearance of acute eczematous dermatitis in fishermen from the estuary of the Seine, about which the responsibility of Alcyonidium gelatinosum (L.) is still under discussion, led us to estimate the ability of this Bryozoa to induce cutaneous responses of delayed hypersensitivity. Intradermal tests carried out in guinea-pigs after subcutaneous, respiratory or percutaneous sensitization, gave evidence of a clear allergenic ability of this alcyonelline. The deposit of the biological product on normal skin during four consecutive days is enough to induce strong responses of delayed hypersensitivity. This experimental study needs further investigations in which the possible existence of anaphylactic reactions should be confirmed.