Complexation of labile metal ions and effect on toxicity.

Chelating agents that have been or may be employed for the treatment of lead, iron, and aluminum overload conditions are described. Although EDTA has been used successfully for treatment of acute lead poisoning, superior ligands for this purpose can be developed. The use of desferriferrioxamine B (DFB) for the treatment of iron overload has several disadvantages, and superior iron chelators are now available. Aluminum overload may also be treated with DFB, but many superior ligands, including chelators designed for iron, are now available for clinical tests.