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Diethyldithiocarbamate increases distribution of cadmium to brain but prevents cadmium-induced neurotoxicity

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5176539

Dithiocarbamates exhibit potent metal-binding properties that have been exploited in a variety of applications, one of which is chelation therapy for heavy metal toxicity. Such therapy, however, promotes the accumulation of metals in the brain, a side effect which may result in neurotoxicity. To examine this possibility the authors used morphological and biochemical indices to assess the effects of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDC) on cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in the newborn rat. Co-administration of DDC prevented the neurotoxic effects of cadmium while causing a persistent increase in the distribution of cadmium to brain.

Research Organization:
Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC (USA). Health Effects Research Lab.
OSTI ID:
5176539
Report Number(s):
PB-86-217460/XAB; EPA/600/J-86/097
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English