Enhancement of the kidney Cd burden by SH-containing chelating agents.

The accumulation of Cd in the kidneys is enhanced markedly if chelating agents that contain SH-groups like 2,3 dimercaptopropanol (BAL) are injected immediately after the metal. This is not a transient effect but persists for more than 3 d. It is less pronounced at higher chelate doses or when the pH of urine is increased. Our experiments indicate that chelating agents, which form unstable complexes at acid pH and are able to pass through the cell membrane, will cause metal accumulation in the kidneys.