THE TRANSFER OF RADIOACTIVE MERCURY ACROSS A A MEMBRANE PRODUCED BY THE APPLICATION OF CANTHARIDES TO THE SKIN OF MAN 1

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Abstract
The cantharides blister provides a suitable model for the study of membrane permeability in living human subjects. Studies with the use of radioactive Hg incorporated in a mercurial diuretic were carried out with this technic. Hg traversed the membrane at the base of the blister in both directions in a predictable manner. No significant differences in transfer of Hg across the membrane were noted in patients with congestive heart failure and in control subjects. Results offer suggestive evidence of physiologically effective binding of Hg to plasma proteins. Histamine enhanced the rate of transfer of radio-Hg across this membrane. Certain mathematical considerations are included.