A Dorsal Model for Cutaneous Vesicant Injury by 2-Chloroethyl Ethyl Sulfide Using C57BL/6 Mice

Abstract

To evaluate stem cell-derived therapeutics for cutaneous vesicant injuries, we developed a dorsal exposure model using C57BL/6 black mice and half-mustard, 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). The dorsal side of a mouse was exposed to 1–5 μl of CEES for 10 minutes and then decontaminated. The data demonstrate that 3 μl of CEES induced edema and erythema that peaked 24 h post exposure. Histopathology showed a central area of deep injury characterized by severe necrosis of epidermis and dermis. The C57BL/6 is a unique model that can be used to unravel the molecular mechanism of injury, identify the effects of black skin pigmentation, and evaluate the efficacy of stem cell therapeutics for cutaneous vesicant exposure.

Keywords :

• 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide
• Blistering agents
• Cutaneous injury
• Chemical warfare agent
• Mice
• Sulfur mustard
• Skin
• Vesicants