Corneal damage by half mustard (2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, CEES) in vitro preventive studies: A histologic and electron microscopic evaluation

The effect of half-mustard (2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide, GEES) on the morph ology and ultrastructure of the cornea has been studied in vitro. Extensive necrotic changes were observed histologically as well as electron microsco pically. The outer layer of corneal epithelium was observed to undergo vacu olization and globulization prior to its denudation. The epithelium becomes separated from the Bowman's membrane. These necrotic changes are prevented from taking place in the presence of a mixture of taurine, pyruvic acid, a lpha-keto glutaric acid and pantothenic acid suggesting the use of this mix ture in the prevention of mustard damage.