Mobilization of aged in vivo cadmium deposits by diethyl dimercaptosuccinate

Diethyl dimercaptosuccinate (DEDMS) was prepared and found to be capable of mobilizing cadmium from mice one month after they had been given an injection (i.p.) of 0.03 mg CdCl2.2.5H2O containing 1.0 microCi of 109 CdCl2. When pure, DEDMS is a waxy solid with a melting point of 61-62 degrees C which is soluble in warm peanut oil. Its LD50 value (i.p.) in mice is approximately 2.6 mmol/kg, a value which allows it to be given at a higher dosage than other known lipid-soluble dithiols. This compound is especially effective in reducing hepatic and whole body levels of cadmium; it is not as effective as 2,3-dimercaptopropanol (BAL) in reducing renal cadmium levels.