IN-VIVO AND IN-VITRO TOXICITY OF NEWLY SYNTHESIZED MONOFUNCTIONAL SULFUR MUSTARD DERIVATIVES

The toxicity of two new monofunctional sulfur mustard derivatives was tested. The compounds (4-carboxybutyl 2-chloroethyl sulfide, CBCS; 10- carboxydecyl 2-chloroethyl sulfide, CDCS) possess the 2-chloroethyl su lfide moiety present in mustard gas. Exposure of guinea pig skin to CB CS resulted in a dose-related ulcerative effect. CDCS exhibitedd simil ar pathological effects. Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) exacerbated CBCS tox icity. Regeneration and healing were prominent six days after applicat ion. Concentration-related effects were found in in vitro systems, usi ng human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells for acute toxicity and Y79 retino blastoma cells for colony forming assay. CBCS or derivatives may serve as modeel compounds for investigating the mechanism of action of alky lating agents.