Allergic contact dermatitis to low molecular weight allergens in the chicken.

We have produced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to low molecular weight allergens in the chicken. Sensitization was induced by the application of a high concentration of allergen to a site on the comb previously treated with dimethyl sulfoxide. Challenge, which was made on the wattle with a nonirritating concentration of allergen, resulted in a dermatitis that was grossly and histologically similar to ACD in mammals. Chickens sensitized to oxazolone reacted to that allergen and not to picryl chloride, and conversely. This model provides a unique system wherein to study the T-cell and B-cell contributions to the generation, maintainance and expression of the ACD response.