Assessment of Edemogenic Effects with Cutaneous Sulfur Mustard Using the Mouse Ear Model.

Abstract

Mustard gas (bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, HD) is a potent vesicant that rapidly penetrates the skin causing gross and microscopic pathological changes in humans. No definitive animal model produces elevated fluid-filled blisters (bullae) like those seen in human skin. Five dosages of HD (0.08, 0.16, 0.32, 0.64, or 1.28 mg) in methylene chloride (MeCl2 were applied to the inner surface of the right ears of male CD 1 mice (n=10/dosage). Methylene chloride only was applied to the inner surface of the left ears (vehicle control). At 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours post-exposure, 8 mm dermal skin punch specimens were taken from the center of exposed and control ears and weighed to determine fluid accumulation (edema). Skin punches were then fixed in 10% formalin, embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) for histopathological evaluation. A two way ANOVA on the percent of control edema weight found a significant dose by time interaction, implying that the responses to doses of HD differ with respect to time. Preliminary microscopic examination suggests that sulfur mustard produces tissue damage that is consistent with vesicant injury. Dose and time related edema increases in HD exposed mouse ear skin support the use of this model for studies involving medical countermeasures to cutaneous HD injury.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1996
Accession Number
ADA323956

Entities

People

  • Fred W. Stemler
  • Lilia R. Castrejon
  • Robert P. Casillas
  • Robyn B. Lee
  • Theresa M. Tezak-reid

Organizations

  • United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Alkanes
  • Animals
  • Army Training
  • Bioassay
  • Biological Sciences
  • Biomedical Research
  • Blood Flow
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemical Weapons
  • Chlorides
  • Medical Countermeasures
  • Methylenes
  • Mustard Agents
  • Skin Diseases
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Vesicants

Readers

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Geochemistry