DEVELOPMENTAL TOXICITY OF METAL CHELATING-AGENTS

Chelation therapy is the basis for the treatment of metal poisoning, A number of chelating agents have been widely used since the 1950s, Sin ce these agents can be potentially given to a metal-intoxicated pregna nt woman, their intrinsic developmental toxicities are a matter of con cern. While the embryo/fetal toxic effects of some chelators have been reported to occur at doses higher than those currently given in the m edical treatment of metal poisoning, according to experimental data th e potential use of other metal antidotes is controversial. In those ca ses, the benefits and risks of usage should be carefully weighed. The developmental toxicity of known chelators of clinical interest is pres ented here, Chelating agents were divided according to the following s tructurally related categories: polyaminocarboxylic acids, chelators w ith vicinal -SH groups, beta-mercapto-alpha-aminoacids, hydroxamic aci ds, ortho-hydroxycarboxylic acids, and miscellaneous agents. Since it has been demonstrated that the teratogenic potential of most chelators is, at least in part, due to induced trace element deficiencies, the advisability of mineral supplements during chelation treatment is also discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.