Oral Zn-DTPA treatment reduces cadmium absorption and retention in rats

This work was performed to evaluate the possibility of using early oral diethylenetriaminepentaacetate (DTPA) therapy for decreasing absorption and retention of cadmium. Albino rats (6 days and 6 weeks old) were used. 115mCd was administered orally. Zn-DTPA was also given orally (3.64 mmol/kg) immediately after 115mCd and 24 h thereafter. Radioactivity in body and organs was determined 6 days later. In sucklings this treatment decreased whole body and gut retention 7-9 times and kidney and liver retention 2-3 times. In older rats it decreased whole body, gut and organ retention 4-5 times. This finding deserves attention since it is generally believed that DTPA is not indicated for early treatment, i.e. while the toxic metals or radionuclides are still in the gastrointestinal tract.