EFFECT OF TOPICALLY APPLIED SULFUR MUSTARD ON ANTIOXIDANT ENZYMES IN BLOOD-CELLS AND BODY-TISSUES OF RATS

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.