Electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry of toxic and allergic effects of methylmethacrylate on the skin.

Prolonged exposure of rat tail skin to methylmethacrylate (MMA) caused a toxic effect on all types of epidermal cells as judged by electron microscopy. Myelin figures as a sign of degeneration of nerve processes were observed in the dermis. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy of MMA allergic patch tests in humans corresponded to observations seen with other allergens.