Nitrogen mustard-induced corneal injury involves the sphingomyelin-ceramide pathway

Nitrogen mustard (NM), which simulates the effects of sulfur mustard (SM), is a potent vesicant known to cause irreversible corneal damage. This study investigates the mechanisms by which NM induces corneal damage by examining the impact of NM exposure on the morphology and lipidome of the cornea. Intact ex vivo rabbit eyes were placed in serum-free DMEM organ culture. NM (0, 1, 2.5, 5 or 10 mg/ml) was applied to the central cornea for 5, 10 or...