Ca-DTPA-induced fetal death and malformation in mice

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Abstract
Increased fetal mortality and congenital malformation were induced in mice by Ca‐DTPA, a chelate widely used for the removal of internally deposited plutonium in human beings. Mated C57BL/Do female mice were given five daily injections of 720–2,880 μmol/kg Ca‐DTPA during early, mid, or late gestation. Damage probably occurred as a result of the depletion by Ca‐DTPA of zinc and manganese, trace elements essential to growth and development. By extension, it seems likely that Ca‐DTPA could damage human fetuses. A much safer chelate, Zn‐DTPA, is recommended for the treatment of accidental plutonium contamination.