Modified distribution of methylmercury by additional exposure to elemental mercury or mercuric chloride in mice fed methylmercuric chloride.
Male IVCS mice fed pellets containing 8 nmol methylmercuric chloride (MMC)/g feed for 32 days were additionally inhaled elemental mercury vapor (Hg0) or injected mercuric chloride (Hg2+). The modified distribution of accumulated organic mercury was observed 24 hr after exposure to inorganic mercurials. The body burden of organic mercury decreased significantly in MMC + Hg2+ treated mice and moderately (nor significant) in MMC + Hg0 treated mice when compared with MMC treated mice. In spite of the decreased body burden, the organic mercury levels in brain, kidneys and blood MMC + Hg0 treated mice, and in kidneys of MMC + Hg2+ treated mice were elevated. In bile, organic mercury concentration after Hg0 or Hg2+ exposure was reduced. The decrease of the blood cells-to-plasma ratio of organic mercury in mice after Hg0 exposure is in agreement with the data reported for workers exposed to mercury vapor.
D000818:Animals; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D008767:Methylmercury Compounds / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity; D051379:Mice; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D008767:Methylmercury Compounds; D008628:Mercury