DMSA CHELATION DURING COEXPOSURE TO LEAD - INCREASED LOCOMOTOR-ACTIVITY IN LEAD-EXPOSED MICE BUT NOT CONTROLS

We investigated the effect of chelating agent meso-2,3 dimercaptosucci nic acid (DMSA) on indices of ''hyperactive'' behavior in lead-exposed and control Binghamton Heterogeneous Stock (Het) mice. As expected, 6 weeks of ingestion of 0.5% lead acetate in drinking water reduced imm obility in a forced water swim relative to controls. DMSA did not atte nuate this behavioral change. In fact, DMSA interacted with lead expos ure to increase locomotor activity in the forced water swim. DMSA also apparently excacerbated lead's tendency to reduce immobility. While a ny generalizations to human populations should be cautioned, these res ults and others suggest the need for further research.