Restraint stress applied prior to chemical sensitization modulates the development of allergic contact dermatitis differently than restraint prior to challenge

BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged on the skin with the contact sensitizer, dinitroflourobenzene. Acute restraint applied before sensitization diminished, whereas restraint administered before challenge enhanced, chemical-induced ear swelling and leukocytic infiltration in the dermis. Administration of RU486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, partially reversed restraint modulation of the ear swelling response in both restraint paradigms. Restraint did not modulate significantly the concentration of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta in ear tissue homogenates. These data show that acute restraint modulates cutaneous sensitization differently than challenge, but the changes are not reflected in TNF-alpha or IL-l beta production.