Evaluation of the chelating action of methicillin in prolonged experimental metallic mercury poisoning.

Studies were conducted to measure the effect of methicillin on the urinary excretion of mercury in rabbits poisoned for three months by mercury vapour. Simultaneously, studies were done to compare the quantity of eliminated mercury after treatment with methicillin or penicillamine (Cuprenil). The results show that the urinary excretion of mercury in animals treated with either drug was clearly greater than in untreated controls. Furthermore, the quantity of eliminated mercury after treatment with methicillin was significantly greater than after treatment with penicillamine.