Different behaviour of inorganic and organic mercury in renal excretion with reference to effects of D-penicillamine.

Inorganic and organic mercury was measured in the red cells, plasma, and urine of five laboratory workers to examine the effect of D-penicillamine. The workers had had no particular exposure to mercurials. Before and during administration of D-penicillamine, inorganic mercury levels in plasma were significantly correlated with those in urine or 24-hour urinary outputs, but no significant correlation was found for organic mercury. Administration of D-penicillamine enhanced 24-hour urinary output to a much greater extent in organic than inorganic mercury. All the organic mercury levels in blood, red cells, and plasma were increased by D-penicillamine. This contrasted with the decrease of inorganic mercury levels in plasma.