Chelation in metal intoxication LI: efficacy of amphipathic dithiocarbamates in mobilization of lead in the rat.

N-benzyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate (BG.DTC) and its analog, N-(4-methoxybenzyl)-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate (MeO-BG.DTC) which are effective chelators of cadmium were investigated for their efficacy to induce excretion of lead, to reduce tissue burden of lead and to reverse certain lead sensitive biochemical alterations in lead pre-exposed rats. These were quite effective in reducing hepatic and renal but not brain lead levels as reflected by the enhanced urinary and fecal excretion of lead and in partially restoring lead inhibited blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity. The introduction of a methoxy group at para-position of benzyl ring, unlike in case of cadmium, did not improve the lead chelating ability of the compound. The treatment with BG.DTC and MeO-BG.DTC caused depletion of endogenous essential elements such as zinc, copper and calcium as evidenced by their enhanced excretion and decreased tissue contents which were more marked in animals treated with the latter.