Structural Changes in Hair Follicles and Sebaceous Glands of Hairless Mice Following Exposure to Sulfur Mustard

March 2014 in “ Experimental and Molecular Pathology ”

Laurie B. Joseph, Diane E. Heck, Jessica A. Cervelli, Gabriella Composto, Michael C. Babin, Robert P. Casillas, Patrick J. Sinko, Donald R. Gerecke, Debra L. Laskin, Jeffrey D. Laskin

sulfur mustard hair follicles sebaceous glands dystrophic hair follicles sebocytes utriculi dermal cysts DNA damage apoptosis wound healing markers inflammatory cells follicular cysts galectin-3 keratinocyte differentiation SM skin damage

Studysummary This study found that sulfur mustard affects hair follicles and sebaceous glands in the skin by causing cellular damage, inflammation, and disrupting wound healing processes in hairless mice.

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The study investigated the effects of sulfur mustard (SM) on hair follicles and sebaceous glands in hairless mice. Exposure to SM vapor led to significant structural changes, including dystrophic hair follicles, reduced sebocytes, and increased utriculi and dermal cysts. These changes were associated with DNA damage, apoptosis, and altered wound healing markers. Within 1-7 days post-exposure, there was a decrease in hair follicles and an increase in inflammatory cells. Fourteen days after exposure, engorged follicular cysts expressing galectin-3 were observed, indicating its role in early keratinocyte differentiation. The findings highlighted that hair follicles and sebaceous glands were primary targets of SM-induced skin damage.

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