How mustard gas chemicals spread in the eye and cause damage
Understanding Mustard Vesicants Distribution and Toxicity in the Eye Using In Vivo and In Silico Models
Using animal tests and computer models, researchers want to find where mustard-like chemicals go in the eye and how they cause short- and long-term damage so people exposed can get better treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167816 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, this project uses rabbit experiments together with advanced computer simulations to trace where sulfur and nitrogen mustard chemicals travel inside the eye and how they injure the cornea and other eye tissues. The team will study how different doses and timing affect immediate injury and later worsening known as Mustard Gas Keratopathy. By comparing live-tissue results with a detailed in silico rabbit ocular model, researchers hope to map tissue-specific toxicity, persistence, and repair processes. The goal is to identify targets and timing for treatments that could prevent or reduce lasting vision loss after exposure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had eye exposure to mustard gas or similar chemical vesicants, or who are at risk of such exposure, are the group this work is meant to help.
Not a fit: People with eye problems from other causes (like diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, or routine injuries) are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to specific ways to prevent or treat acute and long-term eye damage after mustard agent exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and modeling studies show nitrogen mustard can penetrate beyond the cornea, but combining live animal experiments with detailed computer eye models to map distribution and repair is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tewari-Singh, Neera — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Tewari-Singh, Neera
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.