The development of HD-induced ocular lesions in rabbits is similar to the lesions described in human casualties. Quantitative analysis of the various clinical parameters emphasizes the contribution of each tissue to the overall toxic picture. Our experimental model is useful for studying the pathological mechanisms of HD-ocular lesions, and may serve for testing potential therapies.
In spite of several decades of research, no effective treatment to skin injuries following exposure to sulfur mustard (HD) has yet been found. In the present study, the mouse ear vesicant model was applied to awake mice in order to evaluate the efficiency of potential anti-inflammatory treatments in preventing HD-induced skin damages. Clinical follow-up and histological evaluation were used to characterize the injuries to the skin and to evaluate the efficiency of the drugs that were applied. Thus, the extent of mouse ear oedema and the histopathological changes following a single application of 0.2 or 1 L of neat HD for 10 min (representing moderate and severe lesions, respectively), were monitored. Typical HD skin lesions were observed including epithelial and dermal damage. The development of the injury in mouse ears was found to be very similar to that reported in human skin. Screening of post-exposure topical steroids and non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) proved that HD-induced inflammation could be diminished significantly as long as the treatment was applied during the early stages following exposure. A combined application of these drugs approved to be particularly effective in reducing inflammation.
VEGF was involved in corneal angiogenesis in SM-induced ocular injury. Bevacizumab was beneficial in reducing CNV by both, topical or subconjunctival injection, when given as a symptomatic therapy with or without dexamethasone, however with no effect on SC deficiency. Further studies on the pathological mechanism of SM-induced ocular surface disorder may direct towards improved therapy.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.