Effects of dimercaprol or thioctic acid on the distribution and excretion of Na374AsO3 injected subcutaneously in rats.

Abstract

This report dealt with the effects of dimercaprol (BAL) and thiotic acid (TA), antidotes against arsenical, on the distribution and the excretion of 74As in several organs of the rat. Each organ was removed and served for quantitative analysis of 74As five days after subcutaneous injection of Na374AsO3 5 microCi/100 g. Administration of BAL or TA was performed intraperitoneally with a single administration or five consecutive administrations for five days before animals were sacrificed. 74As content in each organ of the rat decreased to a greater extent in the five consecutive administration group of BAL or TA than in the non-treated or single administration groups. Moreover, the excretion of 74As in a digestive tract increased more remarkably in the five consecutive administration group than in the non-treated or single administration groups. There were no differences in the excretion or the content of 74As in each organ between the single administration group and the non-treated group.