bis(tri-n-butyltin)oxide and Dermatitis--Contact

Contact sensitivity (allergic contact dermatitis) to bis(tri-n-butyltin) oxide (TBTO) was demonstrated in the mouse. TBTO (in an acetone:olive olive oil vehicle) or acetone:olive oil alone (as a control) were applied to the shaved flank under an occlusive patch and animals were challenged on the dorsum of the ear 6 days later. Ear swelling was then measured using an engineer's micrometer, 2, 24, 48 or 72 h thereafter. Significant differences in ear swelling between control and TBTO-sensitized animals were found 24 h after challenge: thereafter the elicitation reaction declined rapidly whilst irritant swelling in control animals increased. Maximal elicitation of TBTO sensitivity could only be elicited by concentrations of TBTO that caused irritation. In a separate experiment, a single application of TBTO to the ears of naive animals provoked increase in auricular lymph node weight, cell yield and proliferation of lymph node cells during overnight culture. These data support the conclusion that TBTO is a contact sensitizer and illustrate the potential usefulness of the quantitative methods of contact sensitivity assessment which have been developed in the mouse.

Topics: Animals; Bandages; Cell Division; Cells, Cultured; Dermatitis, Contact; Ear; Female; Immunosuppressive Agents; Lymph Nodes; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Organ Size; Trialkyltin Compounds

A shipwright developed a delayed bullous irritant dermatitis from contact with a bis-tri-butyl tin oxide (TBTO) containing antifouling paint. He subsequently developed sensitization to 4-chloro-m-cresol, a constituent of a steroid cream. No cross sensitivity to 4-chloro-3,5 xylenol was seen. Low concentrations of 4-chloro-m-cresol in pet. may elicit a true positive reaction. TBTO is a strong irritant which will produce delayed bullous reactions in industrial use and on patch testing at 0.1% aqueous.

Topics: Adult; Cresols; Dermatitis, Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Drug Eruptions; Humans; Male; Patch Tests; Trialkyltin Compounds

Organo-tin compounds are known irritants. Tributyl tin oxide is a common biocide in some marine and other paints. An outbreak of irritant contact dermatitis in painters exposed to paints containing tributyl tin oxide is reported.

Topics: Adult; Dermatitis, Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Humans; Male; Paint; Patch Tests; Trialkyltin Compounds