Sensitization of Guinea Pigs to Cyclic Compounds and Effect on the Hematopoietic System

Abstract

In recent years much experimental investigation of agranuloeyto-sis has given rise to the view that “chemicals containing the benzene ring, may so depress the bone marrow that leucopenia results, and bacterial infection of the mouth may develop in consequence.” 1 It has been the contention of Madison and Squier 2 that agranulocyto-sis is the result of drug hypersensitivity (to amidopyrine).

Landsteiner and Jacobs, 3 reported sensitization of guinea pigs to simple benzene ring compounds injected into, or spread on the skin of those animals for a number of consecutive days. Among those was 2:4 dinitro parachlor benzene. Accordingly, this procedure was repeated here, and blood studies made.

An alcoholic stock solution of 2:4 dinitro parachlor benzene was made, which when diluted with normal saline solution contained 1/500 mg. of the compound per 0.1 cc. Blood counts (r.b.c, w.b.c, and differentials) were made on all guinea pigs before, during, and after the injection period. Eight animals were used, 4 of which remained alive throughout the entire experimental period. Ffteen daily injections of 0.1 cc. each were made intracutaneously. The compound was found to be a slight irritant. Skin reactions, however, were read at all times by comparison with a previously uninjected albino guinea pig control. One month after the beginning of the injections each animal received 5 separate intracutaneous doses of 0.1 cc. each, and an albino control was similarly treated. The previously injected animals responded with marked zones of inflammatory edema at each injection site, a slight eosinophile rise, no significant change in the white blood cell count, no change in the red cell count, an increase in the lymphocyte percentage in three of the injected animals, and a decrease in the polymorphonuclear percentage in the same animals.