title: Mercaptoethanol poisoning: report of a fatal case and analytical determinations.
abstract: A suicide due to oral intake of 2-mercaptoethanol is reported. High concentrations of 2-mercaptoethanol and its metabolite 2-mercaptoacetate were found by gas chromatography in the urine and gastric content of the victim. These compounds were also identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Increased amounts of inorganic sulfate were furthermore found in the urine. Case history and autopsy findings are presented, and the metabolism of 2-mercaptoethanol is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Umeå, Sweden.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eriksson
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mohlin
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nilsson
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sörbo
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008623:Mercaptoethanol / Q000378:metabolism / Q000506:poisoning* / Q000652:urine; D013270:Stomach / Q000032:analysis; D013405:Suicide; D013864:Thioglycolates / Q000032:analysis* / Q000652:urine
chemical_list: D013864:Thioglycolates; D008623:Mercaptoethanol; C017487:2-mercaptoacetate