ABSTRACT
3,4-Dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-dhbH3 or protocatechuic acid) is a copper chelator which has potential as an agent for the treatment of copper-overload disease (Wilson's disease). The present investigation describes the fluctuation in copper, magnesium, zinc and calcium (Cu, Mg, Zn, Ca) concentrations in tissues of guinea pigs intoxicated with Cu after the administration of 3,4-dhbH3. We investigated the efficacy of 3,4-dhbH3 to eliminate Cu from poisoned guinea pigs, as well as to assess the changes in concentrations of Zn, Ca and Mg which normally occur in the tissues of experimental animals. The results are in agreement with other experimental data when we administered drugs capable of forming complexes with metal ions. Although 3,4-dhbH3 is capable of forming in vitro complexes with Cu, it can not be used successfully for chelation therapy of Cu intoxication, but its effectiveness as a ligand for Ca, Zn and Mg mobilization is discussed.
