Perturbation of glutathione status and generation of oxidative stress in mouse skin following application of contact allergenic sesquiterpene lactones and isothiocyanates.

1. The sensitizing or non-sensitizing status of selected sesquiterpene lactones and isothiocyanates was confirmed in mouse by open epicutaneous application. 2. Glutathione status of mouse skin was determined 12 h after lactone/isothiocyanate application; glutathione S-transferase activity also was determined 12 h after lactone application. 3. NAD(P)H utilization by rat liver microsomal preparations exposed to the sesquiterpene lactones and isothiocyanates was measured. 4. A correlation was observed between sensitizing status and the ability to perturb glutathione status, to induce glutathione S-transferase activity, and to stimulate NAD(P)H utilization. 5. It was concluded that sensitizing sesquiterpene lactones and isothiocyanates could induce oxidative stress in mouse skin, possibly as a result of their reductive metabolism.