Abstract
A screening procedure is described to assess rapidly the clinical potential of chelating agents for treatment of Wilson''s disease. Compounds investigated were given orally to rats as a standard dose of 100 mg. Cu was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Basal urine Cu excretion was 65.1 .+-. SE 2.93 nmol/24 h (4.1 .mu.g .+-. 0.185). After penicillamine this rose to 367.1 nmol and after trien [triethylene tetramine] to 305.9 nmol. Certain compounds caused a reduction in the amount of Cu excreted in the urine, probably by forming insoluble chelates with the metal, hence rendering it unavailable for excretion at the glomerulus.

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