Lewisite liver effects

Copper toxicity has been observed, althongh it is not a function of dietary overload. Abnormally low levels of ceruloplasmin associated with the genetic disorder, Wilson s disease, lead to excessive deposition of copper in the central nervous system, ocular tissue, liver, and other organs. Severe psychotic symptoms are observed. Urinary excretion of the copper can be achieved with specific chelating agents such as British anti-lewisite (BAL, 2,3-dimercaptopropanol) or penicillamine, orally administered. Symptoms of the disease are reversed as the copper levels return to normal. Reduction of dietary copper nptake by competition with relatively high levels of oral zinc is also effective. ... 

Signs and symptoms of acute lewisite exposure include a rapid onset of irritation to the eyes and mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract (lachrymation and rhinitis). In more serious cases of vapor intoxication, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, headache, weakness, convulsions, hypothermia, and hypotension occur (Sidell et al., 1997 Katos et al., 2007). Laboratory tests of the blood of persons exposed may show hemoconcentra-tion animal studies suggest elevated liver enzymes, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (King et al., 1994 Sasser et al., 1999). The following sub-sections describe the effects on specific body sites. 

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