Metals Flashcards
Arsenic
toxic metal, nonessential element
no known biologic function in humans
arsenic exposure
environmental & toxic
acute poisoning = blood level 600-9300 ug/L
chronic poisoning= blood level 100-500 ug/L
acute arsenic toxicity symptoms
GI nausea, abdomen pain, diarrhea
affects bone marrow, decreases plts, anemia, CV system, renal insufficiency, liver (hepatitis)
chronic arsenic toxicity symptoms
dermatologic & hepatic symptoms
affects CV, CNS, & causes malignant changes
Arsenic methods
prefer urine sample
ICP-MS, AAS, GFAAS
Lead methods
use whole blood & urine
ICP-MS, Zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) or erythrocyte protoporphyrins, AAS
Mercury methods
blood & urine samples
ICP-MS, cold vapor AAS
Blood & urine ranges for Mercury
blood: 0-60 ug/dL
urine: 0-15 ug/day
toxic urine: >150 ug/L
Lead (Pb) exposure
environmental toxic metal
paint chips & former gasoline additive
lead paint on toys from china
Lead absorption
absorb through lungs & GI tract
inhaled Pb : 30-40% –> binds 94% to hemoglobin & 6% in plasma
Pb half-life is 2-3 weeks in whole blood
Lead excretion
urine: 76%
feces: 16%
hair, nails, sweat etc: 8%
Lead toxicity
children are most susceptible
> 60 ug/dL is toxic
GI & CNS symptoms: pain, colic, constipation, headache, seizures, clumsiness
acute: occupational or asian herbal supplements
chronic: motor weakness, chronic renal insufficiency, anemia, etc
Mercury General
general uses: antibacterial agent, preservative, disinfectant, pesticide, paint, batteries, photographic reagent
no known human need for mercury - toxic metal
used in HgCl as diuretic
vaccine preservative
dental fillings
Mercury metabolism
5-90 days in body depending on type & intake route ( can get in major organs & glands)
can cross blood-brain barrier & placenta (!)
toxicity is due from interaction w/ sulfhydryl group
Mercury toxicity symptoms
headache, tremor, impaired coordination, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, proteinuria, hepatic dysfunciton
Mercury urine screen
called Reinsch test
copper coil in urine w/ HCl, cook for 45 min
metal deposits on coil
mercury on coil looks silvery & shiny
Copper general
needed for biochemistry of # of enzymes & clotting factor V
metalloenzyme to :
ceruloplasmin - major copper enzyme
SOD, cytochrome C oxidase, tyrosinase, metallothionein, dopamin-B-hydroxylase
Copper range
serum: 700-1500 ug/L
urine: 15-60 ug/24 hr
RBC copper: 90-150 ug/L
50-120 mg in body
high concentrations in liver, brain, heart & kidneys