Comparative effects of N,N-disubstituted dithiocarbamates and dimercaptosuccinate on mobilization of methylmercury in mice.

Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) and five of its N,N-disubstituted analogs were compared with dimercaptosuccinate (DMSA) for effectiveness in mobilizing and promoting excretion of methylmercury (MeHg) following administration of a sublethal dose of MeHg labeled with Me203Hg. The previously reported effectiveness of DMSA was confirmed. Of the dithiocarbamates assessed, only di(carboxymethyl)-dithiocarbamate (DCDC) was active in mobilizing MeHg, and its activity on a molar dose basis was less than that of DMSA. The disparate structural requirements of dithiocarbamates as antagonists of MeHg and of cadmium were discussed.