Kimber, I. and D.A. Basketter. The Murine Local Lymph Node Assay: A Commentary on Collaborative Studies and New Directions. Fd. Chem. Toxic. 1992. 30(2): 165-169. [Reprinted with permission from Elsevier Science]

The murine local lymph node assay is a predictive test for the identification of contact allergens. This paper provides a historical background to the development of the assay and describes the performance of a recently completed interlaboratory trial designed to evaluate further the utility of the method as an alternative or adjunct to guinea-pig predictive tests. On the basis of thes and supplementary investigations, a number of recommendations can be made regarding the use and interpretation of the local lymph node assay. Finally, a number of issues arising from recent studies are discussed, including comparisons of the local lymph node assay with guinea pig methods.