Concomitant administration of sodium 2,3-dimercapto-1-propanesulphonate (DMPS) and diphenyl diselenide reduces effectiveness of DMPS in restoring damage induced by mercuric chloride in mice

The effect of combined therapy with diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 and sodium 2,3-dimercapto-propane-1-sulphonate (DMPS) against alterations induced by mercury (Hg2+) was evaluated. Mice were exposed to mercuric chloride (HgCl2) (1 mg/kg, subcutaneously) for two weeks. After that, mice received (PhSe)2 (15.6 mg/kg), or DMPS (12.6 mg/kg), or a combination of both for one week. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), ascorbic acid and Hg2+ levels and glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) activities were carried out in kidney. Hematological parameters, plasmatic billirubin, uric acid, urea and creatinine levels as well as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were determined. (PhSe)2 or DMPS restored the increase in LDH activity and TBARS, bilirubin, uric acid, urea and creatinine levels caused by HgCl2. The levels of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit reduced by HgCl2 exposure were restored by (PhSe)2 or DMPS administration in mice. Leukocyte and platelet counts modified by HgCl2 exposure were restored by (PhSe)2 or DMPS therapy. DMPS restored the increase in Hg2+ levels induced by exposure to HgCl2. Concomitant administration of (PhSe)2 and DMPS reduced the effectiveness of DMPS in restoring damage induced by HgCl2. Combined therapy with (PhSe)2 and DMPS was less effective than isolated therapies in restoring the damage induced by HgCl2 in mice.