THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF MESO 2,3-DIMERCAPTOSUCCINIC ACID OR 2,3-DIMERCAPTOPROPANE 1-SULFONATE IN CHRONIC ARSENIC INTOXICATION IN RATS

The therapeutic efficacy of two thiol chelators, meso 2,3-dimercaptosu ccinic acid (DMSA) or 2,3-dimercaptopropane sulfonate (DMPS) in treati ng chronic arsenic intoxication was investigated in male rats, Both th e chelators were effective in promoting urinary arsenic excretion and restoring arsenic induced inhibition of blood delta-aminolevulinic aci d dehydratase activity and hepatic glutathione level, Elevation of uri nary delta-aminolevulinic acid excretion and arsenic concentration in blood, liver and kidneys were reduced significantly by both the chelat ors. Histopathological lesions induced by arsenic were also effectivel y reduced by the above chelators, DMSA being more effective than DMBS, The results suggest DMSA and DMPS to be effective antidotes for treat ing chronic arsenic toxicity in experimental animals.