The authors tested the capacity of known allergens nickel sulphate, potassium dichromate and cobalt nitrate to induce expression of surface adhesive molecules ICAM-1 and HLA-DR on cultivated human keratinocytes as compared with cytotoxic cadmium sulphate. To test expression of surface molecules they used the method of direct immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation. They recorded only a weak irregular expression of ICAM-1 after the action of nickel sulphate. Potassium dichromate, cobalt nitrate and cadmium sulphate did not induce ICAM-1 expression. None of the tested allergens induced expression of the HLA-DR molecule. Conclusion: When using the above methods, assessment of expression of ICAM-1 and HLA-DR molecules on cultivated human keratinocytes is not a reliable marker for testing the possible allergizing potential of chemical substances.

        Key words: cultivated human keratinocytes - adhesive surface molecules ICAM-1 - HLA-DR - allergens - testing