Factors influencing cadmium mobilization by diethyldithiocarbamate: chelator dose, cadmium burden, and sex.

A study was made of the effects of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) on organ distribution and excretion of cadmium (Cd) as influenced by DDTC dose, Cd burden, and sex of mice. One hundred to 250 mg per kg of DDTC did not promote mobilization of hepatic Cd, but it was effective at 500 mg per kg. All doses tested were significantly effective in mobilizing renal and splenic Cd, and the response was dose-dependent, as was the increase in brain levels of Cd. Cadmium mobilization by DDTC following Cd loads over a three-fold range appeared to be first order in nature; i.e., a given regimen of DDTC treatment promoted mobilization of a virtually constant percentage of the Cd administered, rather than a constant amount of Cd. The response to DDTC was markedly sex-dependent, being more effective in females than males. In organs of control Cd-loaded mice one sex-related difference was noted; spleens of females retained a considerably greater percentage of administered Cd than those of males.