Histopathological changes in Yucatan minipig skin following challenge with sulphur mustard. A sequential study of the first 24 hours following challenge

摘要

Sulphur mustard (HD) or ‘mustard gas’ is a potent vesicant chemical warfare agent whose biological effects in man have been well documented. The histopathological features of the developing cutaneous HD lesion in female Yucatan minipigs up to 24 hours post exposure are reported. Following challenge with HD vapour at a concentration of 12.0 μmol/cm2 a sequence of ultrastructural changes to keratinocytes occurred which were initially seen in the stratum basale. Condensation of nuclear heterochromatin and loss of euchromatin was accompanied by cytoplasmic swelling and culminated in focal epidermal necrosis which was evident at 24 h after the challenge.