Effects of detergent formula chelating agents on the metabolism and toxicity of cadmium in mice.

Chelating agents like NTA (nitrilotriacetic acid) STPP (sodiumtripolyphosphate, Na5P3O10) and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) are used as components of detergents. An increased toxicity of some metal compounds when combined with NTA has led to decreased use of this chelating agent in relation to STPP. In the present studies short-term and long-term effects of these chelating agents on cadmium toxicity in mice were investigated. I: In the short-term study, mice subcutaneously exposed to CdCl2 (3.2 mg Cd/kg b. wt.) in combination with STPP (32 mg/kg b. wt.) demonstrated a markedly higher mortality compared to animals given CdCl2 alone. This increase in mortality was similar to the one encountered when CdCl2 (3.2 mg Cd/kg b. wt.) and NTA (32 mg/kg b. wt.) were combined. Animals exposed subcutaneously to CdCl2 + STPP or CdCl2 + NTA showed histological evidence of liver necrosis 24 hrs after exposure not seen in animals given the same dose of CdCl2 alone and also had markedly lower cadmium concentrations in the livers compared to only Cd-exposed animals. II: In the long-term study, mice were exposed orally to CdSO4 (50p.p.m Cd) alone or in combination with STPP (500 p.p.m.), NTA (500 p.p.m.) or EDTA (50 p.p.m.) by continuous administration via the drinking water for 18 months. A decreased total excretion of urine proteins was seen in all Cd-treated animals irrespectively of the combination with various chelating agents. The conclusion of the present work was the NTA and STPP given by subcutaneous injection to mice markedly increased the toxicity of cadmium but that neither NTA, STPP nor EDTA given orally altered the toxicity of cadmium during a period of long-term exposure of 18 months.