The genetic control of contact sensitization to inorganic metal compounds in guinea-pigs.

Abstract

Only a proportion of outbred guinea-pigs can be sensitized to K(2)Cr(2)O(7), BeF(2) and HgCl(2). Inbred Strain II can be sensitized to K(2)Cr(2)O(7) and BeF(2), but not to HgCl(2). Inbred strain XIII can be sensitized to HgCl(2) but not to K(2)Cr(2)O(7) or BeF(2). The ability to become sensitized appears to be transmitted as a dominant characteristic which is not sex linked.