Effect of d-Penicillamine Treatment on Mineral Balance in Guinea Pigs

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to study the effect of d-penicillamine on the metabolism of iron, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus in guinea pigs as measured by changes in absorption, retention and excretion of these elements. d-Penicillamine administration for 10 days did not change the iron and magnesium metabolisms as compared with the controls. Calcium absorption and urinary excretion were increased, but 50% of the guinea pigs had a negative calcium balance during the penicillamine treatment. A decreased phosphorus absorption and an increased urinary excretion were observed during the penicillamine treatment. Only 3 out of 16 guinea pigs, however, were in a negative phosphorus balance. The body weight of the guinea pigs was also decreased during the penicillamine administration, though feed consumption remained unchanged. The increased calcium and phosphorus urinary excretion, the loss of body weight and the normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus suggested a decreased tubular reabsorption of these two minerals and the mobilization of calcium and phosphorus from the bone stores.