Effects of methyl mercury on the microtubule system of mouse lymphocytes

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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 μm 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 Con A 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.

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    Present address: Neurotoxicology Laboratories, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08855-0789.

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