Topical nitrogen mustard exposure causes systemic toxic effects in mice

Vesicating agents sulfur mustard (SM) and nitrogen mustard (NM) are reported to be easily absorbed by skin upon exposure causing severe cutaneous injury and blistering. Our studies show that topical exposure of NM (3.2 mg) onto SKH-1 hairless mouse skin, not only caused skin injury, but also led to significant body weight loss and 40–80% mortality (120 h post-exposure), suggesting its systemic effects. Accordingly, further studies herein show...