title: The determination and prevention of cytotoxic effects induced in human lymphocytes by the alkylating agent 2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide (sulfur mustard, HD).
abstract: 2,2'-Dichlorodiethyl sulfide (sulfur mustard, HD, 1,1'-thio-bis[2-chloroethane]) is a potent vesicant which can cause severe lesions to skin, lung, and eyes. There is no convenient in vitro or in vivo method(s) to objectively measure the damage induced by HD; therefore, a simple in vitro method was developed using human peripheral lymphocytes to study HD-induced cytotoxicity. The cytotoxicity of HD was measured using dye exclusion as an indicator of human lymphocyte viability. Exposure to HD resulted in both a time- and a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on human lymphocytes. Using this in vitro assay, the effectiveness of various therapeutics (niacin, niacinamide, and 3-aminobenzamide) in preventing HD-induced cytotoxicity was studied. Niacinamide and 3-aminobenzamide prevented the cytotoxic effects of HD for up to 2 days.
authors.affiliation: Basic Assessment, USAMRICD, APG, Maryland 21010.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Meier
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D001549:Benzamides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D009151:Mustard Gas / Q000633:toxicity*; D009536:Niacinamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000067856:Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors
chemical_list: D001549:Benzamides; D000067856:Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors; D009536:Niacinamide; C025160:3-aminobenzamide; D009151:Mustard Gas