Transdermal Absorption of Dimercaptopropane-1-Sulfonate (DMPS) and Effect on Urinary Mercury Excretion

"12 hr urine mercury and creatinine levels will be measured on all volunteers prior to any treatment. The urine will be collected in acid-washed or heavy-metal-free specialty containers. Each volunteer will then receive 120 mg of transdermal DMPS, applied to the bicep area of one arm. The area of application will not exceed 2% body surface area. After dosing, urine will be collected for the next 12 hours (using the same protocol and send-out procedure) and assayed for mercury and creatinine levels.~Additionally, after dosing, an intravenous catheter will be placed in the arm of each subject for blood draws. Blood samples will be obtained at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 2 hours, 4 hours and 6 hours after application of the DMPS."