Sulfur Mustard Damage to Cornea: Preventive Studies
Abstract
Studies are in progress to understand the basic mechanism of damage to the eye on exposure to mustard gas and to develop preventive therapies. These studies have been done using rats as experimental animal models and 2-Chloroethyl-ethyl sulfide (half mustard) as the model compound. It is hypothesized that the toxic effects of mustard are caused by reactions at multiple sites, including the sites located out side the cell membrane as well as inside. The manifestations are hence a consequence of derangements starting with the extra-cellular membrane and extending to the various intracellular sites, with adverse effects on the membrane permeability and transport activities and inhibition of multiple bio-energetic processes, and initiation of oxidative stress. We have hence felt desirable to develop a mixture of compounds capable of simultaneously antagonizing the various adverse biochemical reactions, and to test the efficacy of such a mixture against tissue damage. As described in the report, we have developed a mixture of compounds labeled as VM. It has been found to attenuate corneal damage caused by exposure of the tissue to half mustard. We now plan to extend this study using HD the real warfare agent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA394610
Entities
People
- Shambhu D. Varma
Organizations
- University of Maryland, Baltimore