SULFUR MUSTARD-INDUCED SKIN INJURY IN HAIRLESS GUINEA-PIGS

Euthymic hairless guinea pigs [Crl:IAF(HA)BR] were compared to normal haired guinea pigs [Crl:(HA)BR] to determine whether the hairless guinea pig is a suitable animal model for studying sulfur mustard- (HD) induced vesication of skin. Neat HD was applied to the skin for 30 min and the exposed skin was examined 24 and/or 48 hr postexposure for gross, histopathologic, and ultrastructural lesions. The hairless guinea pig proved to be superior to the haired guinea pig as an animal model; it was more sensitive to HD, the lesions were more readily scored, and the animal was much more convenient to use. The findings contained herein are the private views of the author(s) and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the U.S. Army or the Department of Defense. In conducting the research described in this report, the investigators adhered to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. National Institutes of Health Publication Number 85-23. © 1990 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.