The effect of cyclophosphamide on the toxic contact reaction to croton oil in guinea pig

Cyclophosphamide is a cytostatic agent used clinically and in experimental studies for its immunosuppressant effect. Effects on the afferent and efferent limb of the contact allergic reaction have been shown. The substance has also non-specific, anti-inflammatory effects and these were investigated in this paper by studying the effects of single doses of cyclophosphamide on the toxic contact reaction to croton oil (a non-specific inflammatory reaction) in guinea pig. Counting of the dermal cellular infiltrate showed that mononuclear and granulocyte counts decreased in a dose-dependent fashion after cyclophosphamide administration. Erythema and oedema in the test reactions decreased generally, although at the highest dose a paradoxical increase was seen.