Cutaneous Exposure to Peanut Oil Induces Systemic and Pulmonary Peanut Hypersensitivity Reaction

Abstract

The prevalence of peanut allergy is constantly increasing in children. Atopic dermatitis is a major risk factor for developing food allergy, and it has been suggested that exposure to peanut allergens through a disrupted skin barrier is a potential cause of peanut allergy. Some bath oils and skin creams used for treating atopic dermatitis contain peanut oil. Our aim was to investigate if cutaneous application of peanut oil caused a systemic or respiratory allergic response to peanut in this animal model. METHODS: Nine BALB/c mice underwent cutaneous sensitization with 50mL of peanut oil, or PBS control. Ten days after the last exposure mice were challenged with 5mg intranasal peanut protein. Bronchial alveolar fluid (BALF) was collected for cytologic studies and measurement of cytokine levels. Sera was collected for IgE measurement. RESULTS: Peanut oil sensitization increased leukocyte, eosinophil counts and IL-13 levels in (P50.003; P50.002; P5 0.03 respectively), in addition to increasing serum total IgE (P50.03). CONCLUSIONS: This work suggests that topical application of peanut oil may play a role in the etiology of peanut allergy.