Chelation Therapy for Heavy Metal Toxicity

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Which adverse effect is associated with the administration of Dimercaprol?

Hypokalemia

Hypotension

Bradycardia

Thrombocytopenia (correct)

What is the mechanism of action of Dimercaprol in treating metal poisoning?

Enhancement of metal absorption

Chelation of heavy metals (correct)

Inhibition of free radical production

Neutralization of metal ions

Which organ is primarily responsible for the excretion of Dimercaprol from the body?

Lungs

Kidneys (correct)

Liver

Intestines

What is a potential risk associated with the redistribution of arsenic and mercury to the central nervous system by Dimercaprol?

Neurotoxicity Signup and view all the answers

How does Dimercaprol contribute to the reversal of metal-induced inhibition of sulfhydryl-containing enzymes?

By chelating metal ions Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical finding is NOT commonly associated with the use of Dimercaprol?

Bradypnea Signup and view all the answers

What is a common clinical finding associated with chronic inorganic arsenic poisoning?

Hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis of hands and feet Signup and view all the answers

What is a key pharmacokinetic property of mercury?

Most concentrated in the kidneys Signup and view all the answers

How is mercury commonly absorbed into the human body?

Inhalation of mercury vapors Signup and view all the answers

What is a toxic effect of chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic on children?

Developmental delays and learning disabilities Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a mechanism of action of arsenic toxicity?

Cell apoptosis induction Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant source of environmental release contributing to mercury bioaccumulation in fishes?

Burning of fossil fuels Signup and view all the answers

Which factor determines the effectiveness of chelation therapy in removing a metal from a particular organ?

The half-life of the metal in that organ Signup and view all the answers

What is a unique characteristic of the heavy metals that can be chelated by therapeutic agents?

They are always divalent cations Signup and view all the answers

Why are chelators only effective when in their ionized form?

Ionized chelators have higher affinity for heavy metals Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of chelation therapy in the context of heavy metal toxicity?

To accelerate the elimination of heavy metals from the body Signup and view all the answers

How does a therapeutic chelating agent affect the distribution of heavy metals to vital organs?

It may increase distribution to vital organs Signup and view all the answers

In what form are chelators administered to effectively bind with heavy metals?

With a masking group that prevents binding initially Signup and view all the answers