The effect of nitrogen mustard on the rat brain and the therapeutic value of proanthocyanidin.

ABSTRACT

AIM: Nitrogen Mustard (NM) is an alkylating agent that damages cellular nuclear DNA after penetrating tissue. This results in cytostatic, mutagenic and cytotoxic effects. We used the electron microscope to investigate the effect of NM gas administered through the dermal and respiratory routes to rats on the brain cortex and also tried to show whether the antioxidant Proanthocyanidin (PC) could decrease this effect. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 32 rats were randomized into four groups Group I Control group, Group II PC group, Group III NM group, Group IV NM + PC group. The rats were sacrificed 3 days after NM gas exposure. A segment of the cortical tissue was prepared for electron microscopy. RESULTS: We used the electron microscope for cellular analysis of NM on cortical neural cells. These investigations revealed degeneration of the cortical neural cell nuclei together with oedema and axonal degeneration in the subcortical neural tissue. The group receiving antioxidants was found to have less oedema and degeneration. CONCLUSION: These findings imply that structural changes induced by mustard gas can be prevented and restored by proanthocyanidin treatment.