HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF THE EUTHYMIC HAIRLESS GUINEA-PIG FOLLOWING SULFUR MUSTARD VESICANT EXPOSURE

Sulfur mustard (HD) is a potent vesicating agent of military importanc e, with known radiomimetic properties. The euthymic hairless guinea pi g (EHGP) (Cavia porcellus) is emerging as the animal model of choice f or cutaneous HD study. With elucidation of the systemic effects, we ma y better utilize this animal for all HD toxicity work. To this end, st udies were conducted to determine the definitive median lethal dose (M LD) of subcutaneously applied sulfur mustard (HD) in the EHGP, and to correlate the induced hematological changes. Eight groups of two anima ls each were dosed at 0.3 log intervals from an extrapolated expected dose, deriving a tentative mean around which five groups of six animal s each were dosed at 0.1 log intervals, resulting in a definitive MLD of 48.17 mg kg(-1). Sulfur mustard was then administered to seven grou ps of six animals each at a dose of 30 mg kg(-1) and hematology perfor med. Significant leukocyte count suppression was found to occur on day s 4, 5 and 6, following a leukocyte elevation on day 1 after exposure. Serum potassium levels were found to be elevated all 7 days after HD exposure. Establishing the MLD for subcutaneously applied HD and the p attern of induced leukocyte suppression allows for more definitive eva luation of successful toxicity counter-measures.