ABSTRACT
The present study elucidates the behavioral and toxic signs in rats following dermal application of sulphur mustard (SM). Graded doses of SM (0.10, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 LD50) were topically applied to male Wister rats. The body weight as well as behavioral/toxic signs and symptoms were recorded at 1, 2, 3, and 4th day after application of SM. Sulphur mustard consistently decreased body weights of rats in a dose and time dependent manner with maximum decrease on 3rd day post treatment. Sedation and diarrhea were significant in response to doses of SM intoxication in rats. It is concluded that the body weight, sedation and diarrhea may be used as a reliable parameter in evaluating SM intoxication. It is also suggested that hydration and hypertonic saline must be used as a rescue agent within 1-3 days after exposure to SM.
Subject(s)
Animals , Body Weight/drug effects , Diarrhea/chemically induced , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Inflammation/chemically induced , Male , Mustard Gas/toxicity , Piloerection/drug effects , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Salivation/drug effects , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Bis-2-Chloroethyl sulphide, commonly known as sulphur mustard (SM) or mustard gas, an alkylating agent, is frequently used as a chemical warfare agent. Inhibition of glycolysis has been related to skin injury and cell death. The effects of SM on tissue glycogen, blood glucose, lactate/pyruvate ratio were investigated in the present study. After a single dermal application of 1.0 LD50 SM in mice, a significant hyperglycemia was observed at 24 hr post exposure. There was a corresponding decrease in liver glycogen content, with no alteration in glycogen content of brain, muscles and kidney. Blood pyruvate and lactate levels were not appreciably altered.
Subject(s)
Administration, Topical , Animals , Blood Glucose/analysis , Brain Chemistry/drug effects , Glycogen/analysis , Lactates/blood , Lactic Acid , Liver/chemistry , Male , Mice , Muscles/chemistry , Mustard Gas/administration & dosage , Pyruvates/blood , Pyruvic AcidABSTRACT
A significant decrease in blood haemoglobin, reduced glutathione and protein in lung and liver, without any change in blood reduced glutathione, was observed in rats exposed to 80% oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide induced erythrocyte haemolysis was significantly increased following exposure to hyperoxia. The lungs of rats exposed to hyperoxia showed perivascular edema. Simultaneous treatment with antioxidants, vitamin A, C, or E, protected the animals against oxygen toxicity.