Analysis of protective activity of N-acetylcysteine against teratogenicity of heavy metals.

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is known to enhance the renal excretion of heavy metals. Therefore, we investigated whether the teratogenicity of metals (Hg, Cr, and Cd) can be ameliorated by NAC in mice. Contrary to our expectation, the incidence of congenital malformations produced by these metals was two to three times higher in the mice that were fed NAC (0.2% in the diet). The underlying mechanism or mechanisms are unknown and should be investigated.