Background & Aims: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a potent chemical vesicant warfare agent that remains a significant military and civilian threat. Inhalation of SM gas causes airway and bronchioles inflammation and injury to epithelial tissue of the lung. Hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) has been shown to protect human lung cells against SM toxicity and is effective against phosgene toxicity. The aim of study was to evaluate effects of HMT on lung tissue in rats after exposed to SM.

  Materials & Methods: Frothy two albino w ister male rats weighting 200±20 gram were randomly divided into eight groups: 1-normal saline (N.S), 2- HMT, 3- HD ₁ , 4-Pre ₁ , 5- Post ₁ , 6- HD ₂ , 7- Pre ₂ , 8-Post ₂ . HD ₁ , Pre ₁ and Post ₁ groups received 0.5 µl/kg SM & HD ₂ , Pre ₂ , Post ₂ received 0.25 µl/kg SM and NS group received normal saline as a solvent by IntraTracheal catather. 2, 4,5,7,8 groups received 7.5 mg/Kg HMT by intraperitoneal everyday. Rats were killed after 14 days. Lungs were processed for pathological study. Pulmonary damages such as pulmonary edam, collapse and hemorrhage were classified and the results were recorded.

  Results : There were no significant differences between N.S and HMT groups in pathological parameters. Pathological damages are dependent to SM dose. Because the higher dose of SM revealed more damages on lung tissue, they are significantly decreased in pre and post groups and therapeutic groups were significantly reduced when compared to protective groups.

  Conclusions : HMT has protective and therapeutic effects on lung tissue

  Source: Urmia Med J 2011: 22(4): 385 ISSN: 1027-3727