Effect of Chemical Agents on Skeletal Content and Excretion of Injected Strontium 89 . ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. The effect of chemical agents ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and zirconium citrate on skeletal content and excretion of injected radiostrontium was studied in rats. BAL was also administered in combination with EDTA in an effort to increase the excretion of injected strontium. 2. Administration of salts of EDTA under the most favorable conditions for its action had no effect on skeletal distribution of injected carrier-free Sr⁸⁹. Zirconium citrate administrated prior to injection of Sr⁸⁹ resulted in a level of Sr⁸⁹ in the skeleton at 5 days 40% lower than that found in controls. A corresponding increase in Sr⁸⁹ excretion was also noted. Combined administration of EDTA with zirconium citrate and with BAL are without effect on skeletal distribution of injected Sr⁸⁹. Possible explanations for the effect of the various chemical agents employed are discussed.