The Specificity of the Molybdate-Sulfate Interrelationship in Rats

Abstract

The specificity of the molybdate-sulfate interrelationship in rats was investigated. It was found that sodium sulfate was able to alleviate the effects of molybdenum toxicity, whereas sodium citrate, tartrate, acetate, bromide, chloride, and nitrate did not have this property. A condition similar to sodium molybdate toxicity was obtained by feeding molybdenum trioxide or molybdenum pentachloride and in all cases the toxicity was mitigated by sodium sulfate. Potassium thiomolybdate produced an extreme toxicosis, presumably through the release of hydrogen sulfide which is believed to potentiate molybdenum toxicity. This condition was not ameliorated by sodium sulfate. As little as 5 mg of molybdenum per 100 gm of diet resulted in reduced growth of NMRI-D weanling rats when the sulfate level of the diet was low. Mandibular and maxillary exostoses were observed in rats receiving dietary molybdate. The characteristics of the bony proliferations are described.