Biological action vesicant

Sulfur mustards are vesicants and alkylating agents however, the biochemical mechanisms of action are not clearly understood. They are highly reactive and combine rapidly with proteins, DNA, or other molecules. Therefore, within minutes following exposure, intact mustard or its reactive metabolites are not found in tissue or biological fluids. Sulfur mustards also have cholinergic activity, stimulating both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. The onset of clinical symptoms and their time of onset depend on the severity of exposure. The death rate... 

During World War I, a study of the biochemical action of mustard gas had been initiated by Peters and his group in England. In World War II, several teams of biochemists carried out intensive research into the reactions of mustard gas and other vesicants and lachrymators with biologically important macromolecules. It was found that these sub-... 

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