Treatment of acute cobalt intoxication in rats with L-methionine

Abstract

The antidotal action of L-methionine in acute cobalt (II) chloride intoxication given orally or intraperitoneally to rats has been investigated in this paper.The doses of CoCl2 (2.73 mmole/kg oral, 0.21 mmole/kg i.p.) are always above their LD50 for both means of administration, reaching during oral administration values above its LD95 (4.20 mmole/kg).The doses of L-methionine varied from 0.63 mmole/kg (i.p.) to 8.19 mmole/kg (orally).L-methionine did not show a significant antidotal action (mortality rates) against the other sulphurous aminoacid: L-cysteine, which is considered an effective antidote.The administration of Co2+-methionine chelates prepared in vitro, showed rates of 10% mortality when given orally and 30% when given intraperitoneally, against Co2+-cysteine and co2+-N-acetylcysteine chelates with rates of 0% mortality.No significant functional changes were observed in the survivors killed seven days after administration in groups receiving L-methionine.Although L-methionine cannot be considered an effective antidote, it is likely to reduce partially the toxic effects of cobalt.