Sulfur mustard-induced changes of IL-2 and IL-6 concentrations and lymphocyte DNA damage in dog peripheral blood / 第三军医大学学报

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the changes of IL 2 and IL 6 levels and lymphocyte DNA damage in peripheral blood of dog intoxicated by sulfur mustard. Methods Chongqing dogs were subcutaneously injected with sulfur mustard at the dose of 16 mg/kg. Lymphocytes and serum were isolated from dog peripheral blood at different time points as designed. The IL 2 and IL 6 levels in blood serum were measured by radioimmunoassay and lymphocyte DNA damage represented as comet tail length was determined by single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE). Results Four hours after administration of sulfur mustard, the serum IL 2 and IL 6 levels dogs injected with sulfur mustard decreased and reached the lowest level at 72 h. A significant recovery was found at the time point of 120 h. SCG revealed sulfur mustard induced DNA fragmentation (comet) in dog peripheral lymphocytes. The rate of the damaged lymphocytes and the degree of DNA fragment migration began to increase at 4 h and progressively increased from 24 h to 72 h after sulfur mustard treatment. Conclusion Sulfur mustard intoxication induces early and long lasting decreases in serum IL 2 and IL 6 levels and lymphocyte DNA fragmentation in dog peripheral blood.