Protease Inhibitors as Antivesicants.
Abstract
Sulfur mustard is a potent vesicant which was used in the Iran Iraq conflict. Sulfur mustard penetrates the skin rapidly and after a latent period of several hours under temperate climatic conditions, causes extensive blistering of the skin. The mustard is thought to alkylate DNA which eventually results in the release of potent proteolytic enzymes, particularly serine proteases. These serine proteases are capable of destroying a number of connective tissue proteins and several of the enzymes seem to be able to specifically cleave proteins at the junction of the dermis and epidermis. The destruction of these basement membrane and connective tissue proteins results in an epidermal dermal separation, fluid accumulation, and formation of a blister. A total of 45 serine protease inhibitors have been submitted in 3-5 g quantities for animal testing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 30, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADB159042
Entities
People
- James C. Powers
Organizations
- Georgia Tech