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

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.