The action of mustard gas on ox cornea collagen

The reaction between ox corneal collagen and P:P'dichlorodiethylsulphide (mustard gas, referred to in the text as H), has been studied during work on the effect of various chemical warfare agents on the eye. The aim ofthe investigation was to establish whether the two substances combined, and, if so, what were the properties of the compound formed, what groups in the protein molecule were involved and whether the compound could be broken up and the normal protein restored. The experiments have shown that H combines with collagen under conditions likely to obtain in the eye and that a change in the physical and chemical properties of the treated collagen can be demonstrated.