Clay,
The following is quoted from this web page:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/epd/cpr/criteria/awqcfs.html
Now if we could get a bibliography from them as to their backgroung
research...{grin}
The biological effects of silver are apparently due to reversible
bonds with enzymes and other active molecules on the surface of
cells. Due to its sulphydryl binding propensity, biologically-available
silver disrupts membranes, disables proteins and inhibits enzymes.
The ionic form of silver is necessary for biological activity and the
lipid phase of the membrane appears to be important in adsorbing
silver ions to living cells. The active sites on enzymes which are
affected by silver are apparently the electron-rich functional groups
such as–SH groups.
Silver combines with plasma proteins, is removed by the liver and
over 90% is eliminated in the bile; most of this in the feces with very
little in the urine. That silver which is not excreted is deposited in
the
skin and mucous tissues. Tissue deposition of silver results from
precipitation of insoluble salts such as silver chloride and silver
phosphate. These may be transformed to soluble silver sulphide
albuminates and bind with amino or carboxyl groups in proteins and
nucleic acids. They may also be oxidized to metallic silver by
ascorbic acid or catecholamines.
Argyria, silver deposition, occurs in all organs. Common deposition
sites for people who have no history of therapeutic use are the liver,
skin, pancreas, adrenals, glomeruli of the kidney, brain, bone
marrow, walls of the blood vessels, thyroid, mesenteric glands,
choroid plexus, spleen and testes. Generalized argyria is indicated
by slate-gray skin and hair colouring, silver finger nails, a blue halo
around the cornea and in the conjunctiva of the eye, disturbance of
dark adaptation and turbidity of the anterior lens capsule. The tissue
content and distribution pattern of silver deposition is a function of
the intake route, quantity and chemical form.
The discoloured skin in argyric patients exposed to ultraviolet
radiation is likely caused by photoreduction of silver chloride to
metallic silver, which is then oxidized to black silver sulphide and
bound by tissues. If the diet is high in selenium, the silver sulphide
is
converted to silver selenide which may result in higher silver
deposition rates than with silver sulphide.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Be Well!
Bruce
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