These animals are called transgenic, because they have been implanted with a human gene that manufactures the human type of ChE inside the frogs or mice. Previous research has shown that elevated levels of ChE can protect animals from nerve agent poisoning. The objective of this project is to determine the contribution of different types of ChE toward protection against nerve agents, within specific cell and tissue types. Another objective of this study is to develop animal models which have predetermined susceptibilities to nerve agents. None Ongoing Research Funded by the DOD and VA on the Health Effects of Mustard Agents 1.
Mustard agent is highly reactive and it shows little persistence in the body.
Exposure levels will therefore be determined indirectly by quantifying levels of sulfur mustard adducts to DNA and protein, in samples of human blood and skin. Mustard gas can damage hemoglobin and cause a type of damaged hemoglobin called an adduct. First, a method of analysis will be developed to detect the mustard gas adduct with human hemoglobin. These populations will also be surveyed for reproductive difficulties and for developmental problems in their children. The correlation between verified exposure to mustard gas and reproductive and developmental problems will be investigated.