Properties of the reaction of cis-dichlorodiammineplatinum(II) with metallothionein.

Properties of the reactions of cis-dichlorodiammine Pt(II) and related complexes with zinc metallothionein or apometallothionein have been investigated. During these reactions, platinum binds stoichiometrically to protein sulfhydryl groups and zinc, if present, is displaced. The ammine ligands are also lost in the process, suggesting that Pt(II) has tetrathiolate coordination in metallothionein.

Surreptitious lead exposure from an Asian Indian medication.

A case of lead exposure resulting from the ingestion of a lead-containing medication is reported. The ingestion was detected during routine biological monitoring for lead exposure conducted on all workers of a lead-acid battery plant where the subject was employed. A case history, including the results of periodic blood lead, hemoglobin, and protoporphyrin analysis, and analysis of the medication, is provided.

Chromium determinations in a case of chromic acid ingestion.

A fatal case of acute chromic acid ingestion is reported. The case history and biological fluid concentrations of chromium are presented and discussed. Previous cases of acute chromium intoxication are reviewed and recommendations for the management of such patients are presented.

Arsenic content of homeopathic medicines.

In order to test the widely held assumption that homeopathic medicines contain negligible quantities of their major ingredients, six such medicines labeled in Latin as containing arsenic were purchased over the counter and by mail order and their arsenic contents measured. Values determined were similar to those expected from label information in only two of six and were markedly at variance in the remaining four. Arsenic was present in notable quantities in two preparations.

Gold induced aplastic anemia. Complete response to corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, and N-acetylcysteine infusion.

A 47-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had been treated with greater than 7 g of gold sodium thiomalate over a 5 year period when aplastic anemia developed. Treatment with corticosteroids, plasmapheresis and infusion of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) resulted in complete hematologic remission. Infusion of NAC increased daily urinary excretion of gold and use of an ambulatory infusion pump with a Hickman catheter allowed protracted outpatient infusion for more than 4 months' duration.