RT Book, Section A1 Trevor, Anthony J. A1 Katzung, Bertram G. A1 Kruidering-Hall, Marieke M. A1 Masters, Susan B. SR Print(0) ID 56985196 T1 Chapter 57. Heavy Metals T2 Katzung & Trevor's Pharmacology: Examination & Board Review, 10e YR 2013 FD 2013 PB The McGraw-Hill Companies PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-178923-3 LK accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=56985196 RD 2024/03/29 AB The heavy metals discussed in this chapter—lead, arsenic, mercury, and iron—frequently cause toxicity in humans. The toxicity profiles of metals differ, but most of their effects appear to result from interaction with sulfhydryl groups of enzymes and regulatory proteins. Chelators are organic compounds with 2 or more electronegative groups that form stable bonds with cationic metal atoms. These stable complexes lack the toxicity of the free metals and often are excreted readily. Chelators, which function as chemical antagonists, are used as antidotes in the treatment of heavy metal poisoning.