EFFECTS OF DIMERCAPTOSUCCINIC ACID PER-OS ON COPPER EXCRETION IN RAT

After dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) was given intragastrically by gav age (ig) 0, 250, or 500 mg . kg-1 following im CuSO4 30 mg . kg-1 dail y X 3 d in rats, the Cu contents of serum increased markedly within 1- 12 h. When ig DMSA daily X 3 d, the excretion of Cu in urine per 24 h in the treated group was greatly promoted vs the control (P < 0.01) , that in the 250 or 500 mg . kg-1 group were enhanced 2.4-3.8 and 5.8-7 .8 times, respectively. That the excretion of Cu was increased in bile but not in feces suggested the plausible existence an enterohepatic c irculation.