Morphofunctional Changes in Gastrointestinal Tract of Rats During Sulfur Mustard Intoxication

Abstract

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a highly toxic blistering agent (vesicant) that has been widely used as a chemical weapon in wars and armed conflicts. Not only highly effective antidotes, but also tools for pathogenetic therapy of SM-induced lesions currently are not available, which necessitates further research in this field. Aim of the study: to examine the morphofunctional changes in gastrointestinal tract of rats during SM intoxication. Materials and methods. In experiments on rats during SM intoxication the severity of diarrhoea, propulsive activity and the specific mass of gastrointestinal tract were assessed, as well as performed a pathomorphological study of the small intestine. Results of the study. The obtained data indicate the development of the combined motor-evacuation, barrier, secretory-absorption and digestive intestinal dysfunction during SM intoxication. Conclusions. According to the authors, syndrome of intestinal insufficient is an important component of patho- and thanatogenesis of SM intoxication. Moreover, fluid sequestration and endocavitary pressure increase in gastrointestinal tract, which develop in consequence of its functional inability, should be considered as additional pathogenetic components of intoxication.