Amelioration by BAL (2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol) and DMPS (sodium 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid) of arsenite developmental toxicity in mice.

Inorganic arsenic is embryotoxic and teratogenic in chicks, golden hamsters, mice, and rats. Certain dithiol chelators have been reported to protect against arsenite-induced lethality and to decrease arsenic body burden. The present study evaluated the influence of BAL (2,3-dimercapto-1-propanol) and DMPS (sodium 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid), a water-soluble analogue of BAL, on arsenic-induced embryotoxic and teratogenic effects in the mouse. A series of four BAL or DMPS injections was administered sc to pregnant mice immediately after a single ip injection of 12 mg/kg of sodium arsenite given on Day 9 of gestation and at 24, 48, and 72 hr thereafter. Controls received sc corn oil with or without arsenite. Amelioration by BAL and DMPS of arsenite developmental toxicity was assessed at 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day, and 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg/day, respectively. BAL given following arsenite was not able to ameliorate the developmentally toxic effects of arsenite seen in mice, whereas treatment with DMPS at 150 and 300 mg/kg showed significant protective effects against arsenite embryotoxicity and teratogenicity. DMPS administration at 300 mg/kg also protected the dams against arsenite-induced maternal toxicity.