Pathogenesis and Treatment of Skin Lesions Caused by Sulfur Mustard: Inflammatory Mediators and Modulators Released from Organ-Cultured Inflammatory Lesions Produced in Vivo in Rabbit Skin by Sulfur Mustard

摘要

Our research program concerns the mediators and modulators that control the development and healing of dermal sulfur mustard (SM) lesions. SM injures the epithelial cells and some cells in the deeper tissues. An acute inflammatory response follows, specifically, extravasation of serum, granulocyte and monocyte infiltration, and fibroblast activation. The epithelium dies and a crust over the ulcer forms. In human beings, blister formation is prominent. Then healing takes place. The epithelium grows in from the periphery and from the uninjured cells of the hair follicles. Fibroblasts lay down new collagen, elastin and ground substance. Finally, extensive remodeling takes place, so that the injured tissues eventually return to normal. (AW)