Effects of meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) on methyl mercury-induced teratogenesis in mice.

Abstract

Methyl mercury has been reported to be embryotoxic and teratogenic in numerous systems such as fish, birds, and mammals. meso-2,3-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) has been useful for prevention and treatment of mercury poisoning. In this study, the protective activity of DMSA on methyl mercury-induced embryo/fetotoxicity was evaluated in mice. A series of four DMSA injections was administered subcutaneously to pregnant Swiss mice immediately after oral administration of 25 mg/kg methyl mercury chloride (MMC) given on Day 10 of gestation, and at 24, 48, and 72 hr thereafter. DMSA effectiveness was tested at 0, 80, 160, and 320 mg/kg/day. Oral administration of MMC resulted in a high rate of resorptions and dead fetuses as well as a reduced fetal body weight. Moreover, cleft palate (46.9%) and various developmental variations were found in the positive control group. Treatment with DMSA at 160 and 320 mg/kg/day significantly decreased the embryolethality of MMC, whereas at 320 mg DMSA/kg/day the incidence of skeletal anomalies and cleft palate (2.8%) was also significantly reduced. According to these results, DMSA offers encouragement with regard to its therapeutic potential for pregnant women exposed to methyl mercury.

• Authors: D J Sanchez, M Gomez, J M Llobet, J L Domingo
• Journal: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety (Ecotoxicol Environ Saf) Vol. 26 Issue 1 Pg. 33-9 (Aug 1993) ISSN: 0147-6513 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 7691533 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Succimer

Topics

• Animals
• Bone and Bones (abnormalities)
• Disease Models, Animal
• Drug Evaluation, Preclinical
• Embryonic and Fetal Development (drug effects)
• Female
• Fetal Death (prevention & control)
• Mercury Poisoning (prevention & control)
• Mice
• Pregnancy
• Succimer (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)