Shift of oxidants and antioxidants levels in rats as a reaction to exposure to sulfur mustard

Abstract

Antixodants as well as oxidants levels were investigated in plasma of rats exposed to sulfur mustard in doses of 0 (control), 5, 20 and 80 mg kg(-1) body weight. Cyclic voltammetry performed on screen-printed strips with platinum working electrode used as a tool for assaying oxidant and antioxidant levels. We found significant shifts in both examined analytes. A dose of sulfur mustard of 5 mg kg(-1) body weight caused only a small change in oxidant and antioxidant levels when compared with the control group. A dose of 20 mg kg(-1) body weight provided a significant increase in antioxidants as well oxidants; however, the ratio of both was similar to that in the control group. The most surprising facts were found when the highest dose of 80 mg kg(-1) body weight of sulfur mustard was applied. While antioxidants were significantly increased, oxidants were decreased on an extensive scale.