Methylmercury induced biochemical and microsomal changes in the rat liver.
The change in the levels of DNA, RNA, protein, glucose-6-phosphatase, and microsomal enzymes in the rat liver following exposure to methylmercury was studied. The turnover rate of the membranes was also investigated by means of radioactive glycerol. A marked increase in microsomal enzyme levels, with no increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, was found one to four hours following administration. A delay in incorporation of radioactive glycerol and more rapid degradation of microsomal membranes were also detected as a result of mercury intoxication. These observations suggest an instability of the microsomal membranes which would be responsible for the early increase in microsomal enzymes upon homogenization. A general inhibition of the microsomal enzymes and proteins was found 1-2 days after mercury administration. The inhibition of glucose-6-phosphatase activity, however, was not noted until day 5. Most of the enzymatic activities returned to normal between days 5 and 8. A reduction of DNA and protein was found in the liver homogenate after 2 hours of intoxication. However, no change in the RNA level was detected.
D000818:Animals; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects; D008566:Membranes / Q000378:metabolism; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008862:Microsomes, Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012313:RNA / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D013997:Time Factors
D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D011506:Proteins; D012313:RNA; D004247:DNA