Chelation in metal intoxication. XX: Effect of pre-treatment with chelators on the distribution of mercury.

The effect of pre-treatment with sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropane 1-sulfonate (DMPS), sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) and calcium trisodium diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) on the fate of injected mercuric chloride in rats was investigated. DMPS was the most effective chelator in reducing the uptake of Hg (203) in tissues and was the only chelator to enhance the urinary excretion of Hg (203). The results suggest affinity of Hg towards sulfur moiety and that the protective effects of pre-treatment are also shared by non-steroidal thiol chelators.