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Dimercaprol


Mechanism of action:

Dimercaprol is a heavy metal chelating agent, also known as British anti-Lewisite, or BAL. Heavy metal ions such as As3+, Hg2+, Pb2+, and Au3+ have a high affinity for sulfhydryl groups (-SH), and many proteins contain sulfhydryl groups. If these bind to one another, enzymes may lose activity and cellular metabolism may fail. Dimercaprol contains two sulfhydryl groups, allowing it to form stable cyclic chelates with these metal ions, thereby preventing heavy metals from binding to enzymes and converting them into forms that can be excreted by the kidneys.

Reference(s):

1. Walshe JM et al. (2009). The conquest of Wilson's disease. Brain. 


2. Boscolo M et al. (2009). Acute mercury intoxication and use of chelating agents. J Biol Regul Homeost Agents.

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