A study on development of test methods for evaluation of respiratory sensitization due to pesticides or low molecular weight chemicals in mice

摘要

Allergy can be caused by both high molecular weight materials such as proteins and low molecular weight (LMW) chemicals. An anaphylaxis by penicillin, aspirin-induced asthma, dermatitis or bronchial asthma induced by metals, contact dermatitis causedby paint, agrochem-icals and cosmetics are known as instances for LMW chemicals. As the materials with the sensitization capability have been classified into "skin sensitizer" and "respiratory sensitizer," the skin and the respiratory organ (nasal cavity, trachea and lung) are the favorite site for allergy. At governmental registration of newly developed agrochemicals, it is mandatory to submit the data on skin sensitization test in addition to eye irritation and skin irritation tests implemented from the viewpoints of farm worker protection. But no regulatory respiratory sensitization tests are required.- Therefore, it should be necessary to develop a respiratory sensitization test soon and establish a risk assessment system for the potential respiratory sensitizers.