No abstract

In this study, 18 patients with oral lichen planus (OLP), adjacent to amalgam fillings, were tested in vitro with an optimized lymphocyte proliferation test, MELISA (memory lymphocyte immunostimulation assay) and with a patch test. Twenty subjects with amalgam fillings but without oral discomfort and 12 amalgam-free subjects served as controls. The results show that patients with OLP have significantly higher lymphocyte reactivity to inorganic mercury, a corrosion product of amalgam, compared to control groups. Removal of amalgam fillings resulted in the disappearance of oral mucosal changes, thus indicating a causal relationship. Positive responses to phenylmercury (phenyl-Hg), a bactericidal agent in root fillings and in pharmaceutical preparations, were also noted in the oral lichen group but not in the control groups. Thus, low-grade chronic exposure to mercury may induce a state of systemic sensitization as verified by Hg-specific lymphocyte reactivity in vitro.

No abstract

Closed patch tests with balsam of Peru gave rise to nine immediate reactions among 121 patients with different dermatoses and to 10 reactions among 57 patients with chronic urticaria. Among compounds of balsam of Peru, cinnamic aldehyde, cinnamic acid benzoic acid and benzaldehyde also gave the same reactions. The reactions could not passively be transferred with serum from patients. They were abolished by antihistamine given before testing, and by pretreatment with compound 48/80. Balsam of Peru and cinnamic aldehyde did not provoke new symptoms when given orally to patients.

No abstract