[Alcyonidium gelatinosum (L.) (Bryozoa) and cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. Preliminary results of an experimental study]. / Alcyonidium gelatinosum (L.) (Bryozoaire) et réactions cutanées d'hypersensibilité. Résultats préliminaires d'une étude expérimentale.

The appearance of acute eczematous dermatitis in fishermen from the estuary of the Seine, about which the responsibility of Alcyonidium gelatinosum (L.) is still under discussion, led us to estimate the ability of this Bryozoa to induce cutaneous responses of delayed hypersensitivity. Intradermal tests carried out in guinea-pigs after subcutaneous, respiratory or percutaneous sensitization, gave evidence of a clear allergenic ability of this alcyonelline. The deposit of the biological product on normal skin during four consecutive days is enough to induce strong responses of delayed hypersensitivity. This experimental study needs further investigations in which the possible existence of anaphylactic reactions should be confirmed.

[Evidence of benzo-3, 4-pyrene in the water and organic sediments of briny pools of polynesian atolls. Biotic and abiotic factors]. / Mise en évidence de benzo-3-4-pyrène dans l'eau et les sédiments organiques de mares saumâtres d'atolls polynésiens. Etude de certains facteurs biotiques et abiotiques associés

The presence of 3,4-benzopyrene is reported in samples of water and sediments from three briny ponds free from pollution of exogenous origin belonging to three different atolls of Polynesia. The synthesis of this hydrocarbon seems to be dependent on the presence of abundant phytoplancton and of bacterial flora.