Therapeutic efficacy of combined meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid and calcium disodium edetate treatment during acute lead intoxication in rats.

1. The therapeutic ability of Ca disodium EDTA and meso 2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) was studied, both individually and when given in combination, in reducing lead concentration in blood and other soft tissues, and in restoring lead induced altered biochemical variables in acute lead intoxicated rats. 2. Combined treatment with the above two chelating agents was more beneficial in reducing blood and hepatic lead compared to treatment with these drugs alone. Kidney lead concentration however, remained high following combined treatment, indicating the possibility of extra renal burden following treatment. 3. Lead sensitive biochemical variables also responded more favourably to combined treatment than treatment with these drugs alone. However, clinical biochemical indices indicate caution regarding the use of this new treatment regimen, and further investigation is required.