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Nitrogen and sulphur mustard induced histopathological observations in mouse visceral organs
Manoj Sharma1, S C Pant, J C Pant
1Defence Research and Development Establishment, Gwalior--474 002, India.
Abstract:
Nitrogen mustards (HN) and sulphur mustard (SM) are potent alkylating blister inducing chemical warfare agents. Single 1.0 LD50 dose produced a progressive fall in body weight from second day onwards in all groups of mustard agents exposed animals. Histological examination of spleen, liver skin and kidney revealed significant histopathological lesions in nitrogen mustards and sulphur mustard. These lesions include granulovascular degeneration with perinuclear clumping of the cytoplasm of hepatocytes and renal parenchymal cells. Renal lesions were characterized by congestion and hemorrhage. The maximum toxic manifestation were noted in spleen and skin of HN-3 exposed mice while sulphur mustard reported maximum toxicity in liver and kidneys. The study suggests both nitrogen mustards and sulphur mustard to be extremely toxic by percutaneous route based on histopathological observation and can contributed to earlier reported free radical generation by these toxicants.
Insights
Nitrogen mustards and sulphur mustard cause significant organ damage, including spleen, liver, skin, and kidneys, after a single toxic dose. These chemical warfare agents are extremely toxic via skin exposure, leading to severe histopathological lesions.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Chemical Warfare Agents
- Histopathology
Background:
- Nitrogen mustards (HN) and sulphur mustard (SM) are potent chemical warfare agents.
- These agents are known for their blister-inducing and alkylating properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxic effects of nitrogen mustards and sulphur mustard.
- To evaluate histopathological changes in organs following percutaneous exposure.
Main Methods:
- Animals were exposed to a single 1.0 LD50 dose of HN or SM.
- Histological examination of spleen, liver, skin, and kidney was performed.
Main Results:
- A progressive fall in body weight was observed post-exposure.
- Significant histopathological lesions, including granulovascular degeneration and congestion, were found in multiple organs.
- HN-3 primarily affected spleen and skin, while SM showed maximum toxicity in liver and kidneys.
Conclusions:
- Both nitrogen mustards and sulphur mustard are extremely toxic via the percutaneous route.
- Histopathological findings support the agents' contribution to free radical generation and severe tissue damage.
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