A novel approach for heavy metal poisoning treatment, a model. Mercury poisoning by means of chelating microspheres: hemoperfusion and oral administration

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Abstract
The chelating drugs BAL (2,3-dimercaptopropanol), EDTA and penicillamine (2-amino-3-mercapto-3-methylbutanoic acid), used for metal poisoning, are toxic and there is a need for alternatives, especially for severe cases. A novel approach for treatment of heavy-metal poisoning was investigated. The approach utilized the synthesis of chelating microsphereas specific for the desired metallic compound. The microspheres were suggested for use in severe cases by means of hemoperfusion as a first aid and then by oral administration. As a model this approach was tried for Hg poisoning. Polymercaptal microspheres of 0.8 .mu.m average size were synthesized. The microspheres had a high surface area, a high affinity toward organic and inorganic Hg compounds, and could compete easily with albumin and Cys in the ability to bind Hg compounds. These microspheres also were encapsulated with agarose, a blood compatible polymer, and were tried successfully for plasma perfusion (in 10 min, 40% of CH3HgCl and of HgCl2 were removed from 20 ppm poisoned human plasma).

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