title: Effects of methyl mercury on the microtubule system of mouse lymphocytes.
abstract: The effects of in vivo and in vitro methyl mercury (MeHg) treatments on the microtubule system of murine splenic lymphocytes were examined by immunofluorescence microscopy. In vitro exposures to 1 to 10 microM MeHg resulted in time- and concentration-dependent microtubule disassembly. Lymphocytes isolated from mice receiving a single 10 mg/kg injection displayed microtubule damage when examined 2 and 5 days post-treatment. The capacity of in vivo and in vitro treated lymphocytes to respond to the mitogen concanavalin A (Con A) was generally inhibited by MeHg. There was a good correlation between the degree of microtubule disassembly and the inhibition of mitogen responsiveness. In vivo and in vitro treatments that resulted in extensive microtubule damage suppressed the ConA response and blocked lymphocytes early in the stimulation sequence. In vitro MeHg treatment late in mitogenesis caused a rapid, concentration-dependent inhibition of [3H]thymidine incorporation. These results suggest that damage to the microtubule system can serve as an indicator of MeHg toxicity and may underlie the toxicant's effects on lymphocyte functions.
authors: Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
authors: D L
authors: DL
authors: Brown
authors: K R
authors: KR
authors: Reuhl
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Bormann
authors: J E
authors: JE
authors: Little
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004261:DNA Replication / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000633:toxicity*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008870:Microtubules / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D008767:Methylmercury Compounds