Synthesis and evaluation of sulfur-containing steroids against methylmercuric chloride toxicity.

Sulfur-containing steroids, analogs, and derivatives were synthesized for evaluation in mice suffering acute toxicity from methylmercuric chloride. Steroids were administered by intraperitoneal injection, by stomach tube feeding, or by absorption through the tail skin. Thiocholesterol and the thiocholanoic acids were effective if given prior to poisoning. The thiosteroids were significantly more effective than penicillamine or dimercaprol under these conditions.