Influence of Dithiopropanol (BAL) on Human Lead Metabolism

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Abstract
The effect was studied of one intramusc. dose of BAL (5 mg./kg.) upon the conc. of Pb in the blood and urine of each of a series of men whose occupations involved no exposure to Pb or varying degrees of severity of exposure. Some of the men were suffering from Pb poisoning. Blood and urine samples were analyzed by a dithizone method. The conc. of Pb in the whole blood decreased promptly and greatly after giving the drug. The decrease was very rapid at the outset and reached its maximum within 8 hrs. The blood conc. returned to about its previous level within 24-48 hrs. The Pb conc. in the urine was moderately or greatly enhanced by the drug. The peak was reached 1-2 hrs. after injn. and decreased to the previous level in 8-24 hrs. The conc. of Pb in the blood plasma was independent of the cellular conc. of Pb and was not related to signs or symptoms of Pb poisoning. It was unaffected by admn. of the drug. The results indicate that the Pb released from the cells is quickly lost to the tissues and urine. Much of the Pb left in the plasma is probably bound to some constituent that is fully saturated thereby, even when the Pb conc. in the whole blood does not exceed the normal limits. No other thera- peutic agent was found which could influence materially the pattern of Pb metabolism in man. The effects of BAL are unique. It is emphasized that BAL is a dangerous drug.

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