Influence of chelating agents on the toxicity, distribution and excretion of vanadium in mice

The effects of the chelating agents Na 2 Ca‐ethylendiaminetetraacetate (EDTA), Na 3 Ca‐diethylentriaminepentaacetate (DTPA), L ‐cysteine, 4,5‐dihydroxy‐1,3‐benzene‐disulfonic acid (Tiron) and deferoxamine mesylate and the reducing agent ascorbic acid on the toxicity, excretion and distribution of i.p. injected vanadium were studied in male Swiss mice. Chelating and reducing agents were administered intraperitoneally at doses equal to one‐forth of their respective LD 50 . To determine the effects of the various chelators on the mortality of vanadium, various doses of NaVO 3 (0.30–1.20 mmol kg −1 i.p.) were given, followed immediately by one of the chelating or reducing agents. Survival was recorded at the end of 14 days. Significant increases in survival were noted with ascorbic acid, Tiron and deferoxamine, with ascorbic acid being the most effective. Deferoxamine and Tiron were the most effective in increasing the excretion of vanadium and reducing the concentration of vanadium found in various tissues. However, ascorbic acid appears to be the most effective agent in the prevention of vanadium intoxication.