# DERMATOTOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ALLERGENIC PLANTS

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 1988 · $123,176

## Abstract

Dermatologists estimate that over 15 million Americans suffer annually from
allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to natural chemicals in plants.  Although
dermatotoxicological information is available on poison oak and ivy,
research on other allergenic plants has been neglected.  We propose to
continue our research program on the chemistry and dermatotoxicology of
allergenic plants in order to better understand the pathogenic mechanism of
delayed hypersensitivity reactions caused by contact allergens.

We specifically propose to (1) continue the structure elucidation of novel
contact allergens and photosensitizers from allergenic plants (2) develop
the guinea pig maximization test and the murine animal assay for detecting
irritants and immunogens (3) elucidate the mechanism of action of new
allergenic quinones, phototoxic lignans and alkaloids (4) develop an
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for tracing allergenic
sesquiterpene lactones which are widespread in the environment and (5)
assay potent contact allergens, irritants and photosensitizers for
mutagenic and in vitro carcinogenic activity.

The knowledge of allergen molecular structure, toxicity and mechanisms of
sensitivity will provide clinical dermatologists with basic information for
understanding and diagnosing plant-induced allergic contact dermatitis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3127902
- **Project number:** 5R01AI018398-06
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **SAM.gov UEI:** MJC5FCYQTPE6
- **Principal Investigator:** ELOY RODRIGUEZ
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1988
- **Award amount:** $123,176
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1982-05-01 → 1989-10-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3127902

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3127902, DERMATOTOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES OF ALLERGENIC PLANTS (5R01AI018398-06). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3127902. Licensed CC0.

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