Toxicology of 1,2-dichloroethane (ethylene dichloride) its detoxication by 1-cystine, dimethionine and certain other sulfur containing compounds.

Abstract

The sulfur containing amino acids l-cystine and dl-methionine protected young rats against death from inhalation exposures to 1,2-dichloroethane. This was demonstrated when these amino acids supplemented low protein-choline deficient diets and also when they were added to normally constituted rations. Supplements of choline chloride did not give any significant protection. Nine sulfur-free amino acids were found to be nonprotective. Other sulfur containing compounds were tested for their ability to reduce the toxicity of dichloroethane. The inorganic compounds, Na 2 SO 4 , NaCNS, Na 2 S and Na 2 S 2 O 3 were ineffective. Cysteic acid, taurine and S-benzyl-l-cysteine did not protect. Protection was obtained with thiourea, thiouracil, 2-thiobarbituric, acid, ββ9-dithiodipropionic acid and l-cysteine hydrochloride. Thiolactic acid was ineffective by mouth but afforded protection when injected intraperitoneally. It is pointed out that all of the protective compounds can furnish sulfhydryl groups.