K. Husain et al., EFFECT OF TOPICALLY APPLIED SULFUR MUSTARD ON ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN BLOOD-CELLS AND BODY-TISSUES OF RATS, Journal of applied toxicology, 16(3), 1996, pp. 245-248
The effect of sulphur mustard (0.5 LD(50), percutaneous) on antioxidan
t enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione
peroxidase (GSH-Px)) in blood cells (erythrocytes (RBC), leucocytes (W
BC) and platelets) and body tissues (liver, kidney, spleen and brain)
of rats has been investigated 24 h post exposure, The SOD activity was
significantly decreased in WBC, platelets, spleen and brain as compar
ed to control, The CAT activity was significantly inhibited in RBC, WB
C and spleen as compared to control, The GSH-Px activity was significa
ntly depressed in WBC, spleen and liver as compared to control, It is
concluded that sulphur mustard at a sublethal dose inhibited antioxida
nt enzyme activities in WBC and spleen, Thus, antioxidant enzymes in l
ymphatic tissues may be used as suitable models for assessing mustard
toxicity, The study suggests the formation of reactive oxygen species
in sulphur mustard intoxication.