Nikolsky's sign: a novel way to evaluate damage at the dermal-epidermal junction.

Background/aims: Sulfur mustard (2,2'-dichlorodiethyl sulfide, HD) is a potent vesicating (blistering) agent. Cutaneous exposure causes the destruction of basal cells and leads to a separation at the dermal-epidermal junction. To evaluate the efficacy of candidate antivesicant compounds, suitable animal models are needed.

Dose-response effects of atropine and HI-6 treatment of organophosphorus poisoning in guinea pigs.

HI-6 (1-2-hydroxyiminomethyl-1-pyridino-3-(4-carbamoyl-1-pyridino -2- oxapropane dichloride) has been evaluated as an oxime alternative to pralidoxime, and toxogonin in the treatment of organophosphorus (OP) poisoning. The dose response effects of atropine (ATR) and HI-6 were investigated to more fully explore the interaction of these compounds in the treatment of OP poisoning. ATR, HI-6 and various combinations of the two drugs were evaluated against lethal poisoning by soman (GD) and tabun (GA) in guinea pigs.