Interaction between mesna and selected transition metals in vitro and in vivo

The interactions between mercaptoethanesulphonic acid (mesna) and transition metal ions was investigated. Mesna was shown to react with selected transition metals (to form covalent metal thiol compounds) resulting in reduction of their oxidation state with the possible concomitant oxidation of mesna to dimesna. The reactions between mesna and copper were investigated in detail. Mesna is known to bind to serum albumin, copper was found to chemically combine with the mesna protein complex. Administration of copper to rats resulted in accumulation of copper in the kidney, while simultaneous administration of mesna and copper resulted in accumulation of copper in liver. The possible role of mesna-albumin complexes in copper transport is postulated and the importance of this in cancer treatment, where serum copper levels are often raised, is discussed.