Effects of combined treatment with diethyldithiocarbamate and dihydroxyethyldithiocarbamate on distribution and excretion of cadmium.

Diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) rapidly mobilizes metallothionein-bound cadmium (Cd) from kidneys, liver, and spleen, but promotes a redistribution which results in higher Cd burdens in lungs, testes, and brain. Dihydroxyethyldithiocarbamate (DHDC) is less potent than DDTC in mobilizing renal Cd, but does not promote Cd redistribution to brain. Combined treatment with DDTC and DHDC, at one-half the molar dose of each when used alone, effected virtually as extensive renal Cd depletion as did DDTC alone, and enhanced slightly Cd mobilization from intestine and testes. Redistribution of Cd to brain was much less after combined treatment than was observed following treatment with DDTC alone.