Chelating‐agent suppression of cadmium‐induced hepatotoxicity

Abstract
The administration of sodium N‐methyl‐N‐dithiocarboxy‐D‐glucamine (NaC) at 500 mg/kg, i.p., or sodium calcium diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) at 632.5 mg/kg, i.p., reduces the serum enzyme levels characteristic of hepatic damage following the intravenous administration of cadmium chloride (3.5 mg CdCl 2 • 2.5H 2 Ol kg). Some effect on serum enzyme levels was found even when the interval between administration of cadmium chloride and that of the antagonist was as great as 4 h. The enzymes examined included aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (AP). A histopathological examination of the livers of such animals also reveals the presence of a significant protective action.