EFFECT OF SULFUR MUSTARD INHALATION EXPOSURE ON SOME URINARY VARIABLES IN MICE

The effect of sulphur mustard (2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulphide) exposure through inhalation at 0.5. 1.0 and 2.0 LC50 (21.2, 42.3 and 84.6 mg m (-3) for 1 h) on some urinary variables was studied in female mice at 6, 24 and 48 h and 7 days post-exposure. The urinary excretion and cir culatory blood accumulation of uric acid increased significantly. The level of creatine was also elevated significantly as compared to the c ontrol at 2 L-50. It is concluded that sulphur mustard alkylates DNA a nd triggers catabolism of apurinated purine bases in a very short time . The increase in uric acid excretion in urine can be detected only wh en the exposure concentration is high. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd .