Mie Kobayashi

THE EFFECT OF TOPICALLY APPLIED γ-ORYZANOL ON SEBACEOUS GLANDS

The action of topically applied γ‐Oryzanol (triterpineol ester with ferulic acid) on the sebaceous glands was investigated using the double blind method. 1% γ‐Oryzanol ointment, and the ointment base as control, were applied symmetrically to the backs of rats in the same hair cycle stage. The turnover time of sebaceous gland cells was examined by quantitating 8H‐thymidine incorporation and colchicine‐arrested mitosis.

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF AL-TEST PATCH TEST*

To study the use of the Al‐test patch test units in Japan, Al‐test plaster was tested on 57 patients using 888 units and a skin reaction was seen under the aluminum foil section on 32 patients (179 unit, 20.15%). This is less than the irritation frequency of 34–65% reported when using Toriis test plaster and more than seen with our lint cloth and Blenderm patch test unit. In those cases having no reaction to the aluminum foil section, any positive reaction of the allergen was clear and easily recognizable. The probability of a false positive reaction due to skin irritation under the aluminum foil section when using Al‐test plaster in the summer in Japan, which has a comparatively higher humidity than Europe and the USA, was reported.