Elsevier

Biochemical Pharmacology

Volume 19, Issue 10, October 1970, Pages 2775-2783
Biochemical Pharmacology

Biotransformation of methylmercury salts in the rat studied by specific determination of inorganic mercury

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Abstract

Methylmercury chloride undergoes biotransformation in the rat resulting in the release of inorganic mercury. The reaction was followed by specific determination of inorganic mercury using an isotope exchange method. Small but significant amounts of mercury were detected in brain tissue during the first 10 days after a single injection of methylmercury chloride. Inorganic mercury accounted for the highest proportion of total mercury in the excretory organs and in feces. By comparing the present results with previously published reports using other analytical methods, the release of inorganic mercury was found to be the major biotransformation pathway available for methylmercury salts in rats.

The role of this biotransformation pathway is discussed with reference to the biochemical mode of action and the pharmacokinetics of these very hazardous compounds.

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This paper is based on work performed under contract with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission at the University of Rochester Atomic Energy Project and has been assigned Report No. UR-49-1167.

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