The influence of unithiol and spironolactone on the biliary excretion of 203Hg in rat.

Rats with cannulated bile ducts were intravenously given 203HgCl2 in the dose of 120 microgram of Hg2+ per rat. Intramuscular administration of Unithiol (sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropanosulphonate) 4 and 7 h after 203Hg injection markedly increased both biliary and urinary excretion of 203Hg. In rats with Spironolactone (17-Hydroxy-7alpha-mercapto-3-oxo-17alpha-pregn-4-ene-21-carboxylic acid, gamma-lactone, acetate) pretreatment the effect of Unithiol on the biliary excretion of 203Hg was enhanced. Urinary excretion of mercury was lowest in comparison with Unithiol treated group.