Distribution of [14C]sulfur mustard in rats after intravenous exposure.

The distribution of sulfur mustard, bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide, was investigated in rats. After i.v. injection of [14C]sulfur mustard (10 mg/kg), distribution of 14C was rapid (within minutes) to all tissues that were sampled. Significant amounts of 14C were detected in the kidney, liver, lung, intestine, and stomach, organs all associated with elimination and transformation processes. No more than 3 +/- 2% of the 14C was recovered in fat tissues, indicating that fat was not a major storage site for sulfur mustard. In addition to wide distribution, a significant uptake of 14C was observed in an aponeurosis in the leg receiving the dose of [14C]sulfur mustard (10 mg/kg or 500 micrograms/kg) via the superficial femoral vein. After injection of [14C]sulfur mustard via the jugular vein, no preferential retention site for 14C was detected in the lung.