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Teratology Studies on Methylmercury Hydroxide and Nitrilotriacetate Sodium in Rats

Nature volume 241, pages 461–463 (1973)Cite this article

Abstract

PRELIMINARY United States government studies in 1970 indicated that trisodium nitrilotriacetate (NTA) might enhance matricidal, foeticidal, and teratogenic effects of cadmium and mercury in rats. As a result, major detergent manufacturers voluntarily discontinued the use of NTA as a detergent builder pending further investigations. Several studies have been made to reinvestigate whether NTA enhances the toxicity of heavy metals. Oral administration of NTA with cadmium chloride actually reduced the maternal toxicity of the cadmium, inhibited tissue deposition of cadmium, and had no effect on the extent or type of teratogenicity of the metal1. The effect of NTA on maternal and foetal toxicity and teratogenicity of methyl mercury hydroxide has now been determined.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inorganic Research and Development, Monsanto Company, St Louis, Missouri

    L. G. SCHARPF jun. & I. D. HILL

  2. Industrial Bio-Test Laboratories, Inc., Northbrook, Illinois, 60062

    P. L. WRIGHT & M. L. KEPLINGER

Authors
  1. L. G. SCHARPF jun.
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  2. I. D. HILL
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  3. P. L. WRIGHT
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  4. M. L. KEPLINGER
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SCHARPF, L., HILL, I., WRIGHT, P. et al. Teratology Studies on Methylmercury Hydroxide and Nitrilotriacetate Sodium in Rats. Nature 241, 461–463 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/241461a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/241461a0

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