Sulfur mustard induces apoptosis and necrosis in SCL II cells in vitro.

Sulfur mustard (bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide, HD) is an alkylating agent causing erythema and blistering with a latency of several hours after skin exposure. In the present in vitro study the influence of HD (1 microM-1 mM for 30 min or 4 h) on the viability and growth of SCL II cells was investigated. No significant differences in cytotoxicity were observed as assessed by formazan formation from XTT tetrazolium salt at 24, 48 and 72 h after exposure. Sulfur mustard concentrations of >500 microM were associated with an increasing portion of apoptotic cells without change in necrosis rate as assessed by nuclear morphology and gel electrophoresis of the DNA. The ATP levels were not affected up to 6 h after HD exposure (< or =1 mM). Twelve hours later, ATP depletion was observed at HD concentrations of >500 microM. Colony-forming ability was impaired at concentrations of <1 microM. Cell growth studies in comparison with nuclear morphology indicated late apoptotic death predominating at lower concentrations of HD. In summary, the data show that HD may inhibit cell growth already at concentrations where viability parameters and cell metabolism are not yet affected.