The protective and therapeutic effects of zinc chloride and desferrioxamine on skin exposed to nitrogen mustard.

The nitrogen mustard (HN2), which contains chloroethyl groups, is a potent inhibitor of DNA synthesis and cell growth. It also has vesicant properties. Due to these damaging effects of HN2 on the skin, zinc chloride (ZnCl2) and desferrioxamine were used in the form of ointment for treatment and prevention of the histopathological destruction of skin of guinea pigs. According to results of the histopathological study, both ZnCl2 and desferrioxamine had therapeutic and protective effects for HN2-induced skin damage at moderate levels. Taking into consideration the alkylating effect of HN2 on the skin, our results suggest that ZnCl2 and desferrioxamine may be used in the prevention of nuclear damage and for handling the burns caused by the HN2.