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Copper, Zinc, and selenium in human blood and urine after injection of sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate

A study on subjects with dental amalgam

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Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a single dose of intravenously administered sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate (DMPS) on the essential elements copper, zinc, and selenium in human blood and urine. The possible role of dental amalgam was also addressed. Eighty individuals, divided in four groups according to the presence or absence of dental amalgam fillings and symptoms self-related to such fillings, were given DMPS (2 mg/kg body wt) and 500 mL Ringer’s acetate intravenously. Urine and blood were collected prior to the injection, and thereafter at intervals over a 24-h period. Cu, Zn, and Se concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry methods.

A statistically significant increase in the concentrations of Cu and Zn in urine was observed 30 and 120 min after the DMPS injection compared to the preinjection concentrations. The concentrations of Se were not affected. The cumulated excretion over 24 h after DMPS injection constitutes only from 0.1% to 0.7% of the body content of these elements. There was no effect of different amalgam statuses on Cu and Zn excretion.

We found a temporary decrease (4–7%) in the concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Se in blood 15 and 30 min after DMPS, but this seems to be the result of dilution factors. Administration of a single dose of DMPS does not affect the body stores of the essential elements Cu, Zn, and Se.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Odontology — Dental Biomaterials, University of Bergen, N-5009, Bergen, Norway

    Paul Johan Høl, Jan Sverre Vamnes, Nils Roar Gjerdet & Rune Eide

  2. Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bergen, N-5009, Bergen, Norway

    Rolf Isrenn

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Høl, P.J., Vamnes, J.S., Gjerdet, N.R. et al. Copper, Zinc, and selenium in human blood and urine after injection of sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulfonate. Biol Trace Elem Res 91, 19–31 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:91:1:19

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/BTER:91:1:19

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