Sodium bis(hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamate reduces acute lung tissue damage induced by cadmium in rats.

The protective effect of three dithiocarbamates against lung tissue damage induced by a single intratracheal instillation of cadmium chloride was examined in rats. The relative efficacy of these compounds was tested by comparing characteristic features of lung tissue damage: the increase of lung weight, and the changes in the synthesis and content of structural proteins. Of three compounds administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 2.46 mmol/kg body weight, the most effective in suppressing lung damage was sodium bis(hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamate (DEDTC). Its efficacy was dependent on the time interval between administration of cadmium chloride and the DEDTC. The parameters of lung tissue damage which were examined approached control values when DEDTC and cadmium chloride were administered simultaneously.