Metal and Anionic Macromolecular Binding Capacity and Hair Depigmentation in Mink by Vantocil 1B®, a Biguanidine Polymer

Abstract

Minks receiving feed added a biguanidine polymer as antiviral-antibacterial agent and whose dam received the same feed during gestation and lactation period, showed depigmentation of the underfur. The biguanidine is shown to dissolve melanin and to be able to chelate copper, iron and zinc ions, the two former required for melanogenesis. Possible sites of interference with melanogenesis are discussed. The product added (a cationic compound), is shown to bind with anionic polymers, i.e. DNA, RNA and GAG. Possible “in vivo” influence of this binding on biosynthesis of proteins and connective tissue components is discussed.

Key words:

• complexcopperlzincliron—Vantocil
• mink hair depigmentation