Assessment of the ability of mice fed on vitamin A supplemented diet to respond to a variety of potential contact sensitizers.

The contact sensitizing potential of various compounds was tested in mice maintained on a diet supplemented with vitamin A acetate. Substances were applied epicutaneously. After challenge, increases in ear thickness were measured and the differences in response between control and treated groups determined by the Mann Whitney test. A number of sensitizers, including Dowicil 200, cinnamaldehyde, hydroxycitronellal and Kathon CG gave positive sensitivity responses.