BERYLLIUM-INDUCED BIOCHEMICAL-ALTERATIONS AND THEIR PREVENTION FOLLOWING COADMINISTRATION OF MESO-2,3-DIMERCAPTOSUCCINIC ACID OR 2,3-DIMERCAPTOPROPANE SULFONATE IN RATS

The effects of meso-2,3 dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) and 2,3 dimerca ptopropane sulphonate (DMPS) on body beryllium burden, hepatic lipid p eroxidation, glutathione, alkaline and acid phosphatase and some bioch emical variables of porphyrin metabolism were studied in beryllium-poi soned rats. It was observed that beryllium poisoning is associated wit h a slight increase in lipid peroxidation, significant depletion of al kaline phosphatase and elevation of acid phosphatase activities in the liver and increased beryllium concentration in blood and other soft o rgans. Evidence is presented that both DMSA and DMPS during concomitan t administration prevented most of the above beryllium-induced biochem ical alterations. Tissue beryllium concentration and histopathological lesions in liver and kidneys were also significantly less marked foll owing simultaneous administration of DMPS compared to beryllium-expose d controls; DMSA was comparatively less effective.