Effect of disulfiram pretreatment on the tissue distribution, macromolecular binding, and excretion of [U-1,2-14C]dichloroethane in the rat

The effect of disulfiram (DSF) pretreatment on the distribution of [14C]ethylene dichloride (EDC) in selected organs and/or tissues of control and EDC-pretreated rats was studied. The presence of EDC metabolites and their binding to an acid-insoluble extract of the tissues, as well as purified protein and DNA, were evaluated. Dietary DSF was found to modulate the distribution, excretion, and macromolecular binding of EDC and/or its metabolites at 4 and 24 hr following ip administration. The urinary excretion of [14C]EDC metabolites was not affected by subchronic inhalation exposure to nonradiolabeled EDC. However, DSF pretreatment increased the fat deposition of EDC and decreased the urinary excretion of its metabolites. DSF also increased the binding of EDC metabolites to DNA and decreased the binding to protein in the liver, kidneys, spleen, and testes. However, prior exposure to EDC alone increased the binding of its metabolites to DNA in the kidneys only.