Effects of substituted dithiocarbamates on distribution and excretion of inorganic mercury in mice.

Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) and six of its N,N-disubstituted congeners were evaluated for their relative efficacies in mobilizing and promoting excretion of mercury (Hg++) using mice which had been given 203Hg++; D-penicillamine (PEN) was used as a positive control compound. While none was as effective as PEN when compared on a molar dose basis, significant activity as assessed by reduction of whole body 203Hg burden, was observed following treatment with three of the analogs. The order of effectiveness was PEN greater than N-methyl-N-dithiocarboxyglucamine (MDCG) greater than di(carboxymethyl)dithiocarbamate (DCDC) greater than di(hydroxyethyl)dithiocarbamate (DHDC).