Efficacy of Prussian blue on 137Cs decorporation therapy.

Prussian blue (PB) is an efficient drug for enhancing cesium elimination from the body. Literature data on the efficacy of PB treatment in dosages that vary from 1-10 g d was reviewed. Cesium biokinetics was simulated using a detailed systemic biokinetic model. The same model was used to simulate the maximum action of PB by interrupting the enterohepatic circulation. Model results reproduced reasonably well the literature data on the efficacy of PB administered to humans after incidental cesium intakes, as well as results from animal experiments. Maximum efficiency of the reduction of the long-term half-time is obtained with the administration of 3 g d PB to the adult. Maximum efficiency of reducing the Cs body burdens is obtained when PB is administered on the first day after the intake, due to the increase of the short-term elimination of cesium. The model predicts that reduction of the long-term half-life is not affected by the time after intake that PB is administered, as long as it is given within the interval from 1 h to 1 y after the intake.

Endogenous thiols enhance thallium toxicity.

Either L-methionine (L-met) or L-cysteine (L-cys), given alone and in combination with Prussian blue (PB) was characterized as treatment against acute thallium (Tl) toxicity in rats. Animals were intoxicated with 32 mg/kg Tl acetate corresponding to rat LD(50). Antidotal treatments were administered during 4 days, as follows: (1) vehicle, (2) L-met 100 mg/kg i.p. twice a day, (3) L-cys 100 mg/kg i.p. twice a day, (4) PB 50 mg/kg oral, twice a day, (5) L-met + PB and (6) L-cys + PB. Mortality was as follows: control 50%; L-met 80%; L-cys 80%; PB 20%; L-met + PB 90% and L-cys + PB 100%. In a different experiment, using 16 mg/kg of Tl, tissue levels of this metal were analyzed. PB treatment statistically diminished Tl content in body organs and brain regions (P<0.01). Whereas, separate treatments of L-met and L-cys failed to decrease Tl content in organs and brain regions; while its administration in combination with PB (L-met + PB and L-cys + PB groups) lowered Tl levels in body organs in the same extent as PB group. Results indicate that L-met and L-cys administered alone or in combination with PB should not be considered suitable treatments against acute Tl toxic effects because this strategy failed to prevent mortality and Tl accumulation in brain.

New drugs 05, part I.

In this article, you'll learn about nine new drugs, including: Prussian blue, which could protect people from radiation exposure following an act of biochemical terrorism. Bevacizumab, a new monoclonal antibody and the first angiogenesis inhibitor for colorectal cancer. Cinacalcet HCl, the first calcimimetic drug for treating hyperparathyroidism. Unless otherwise specified, the information in the following summaries applies to adults, not children. Consult the package insert for information about each drug's safety during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Also consult the package insert, a pharmacist, or a comprehensive drug reference for more details on precautions, drug interactions, and adverse reactions for all these drugs.

Studies of any toxicological effects of Prussian blue compounds in mammals--a review.

The Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident, which resulted in widespread contamination with radiocaesium, led to studies of the use of Prussian Blue (PB) compounds as a countermeasure to reduce the caesium-137 and caesium-134 content of animal products. An important consideration in the practical use of PB compounds in agriculture is their possible toxicity. Hence it is pertinent to assess the work undertaken with laboratory rodents, domesticated animals and humans that has included studies of any toxic effects. Such studies showed that PB compounds had no adverse effects on animal health and production and, in addition, no toxic effects were noted in humans when PB was used experimentally or therapeutically.