Studies on, the Biotransformation of ²⁰³Hg-labeled Methyl Mercury Chloride in Rats

Abstract

Biotransformation of organic mercury in the rat was followed by specific determination of inorganic mercury after exposure" Inorganic mercury was detected in plasma, brain, and tissues involved in excretion. Inorganic mercury released from the organomercurial redistributes in the body to conform to the pattern of organ distribution of injected mercuric salts" Biotransformation is important in the excretion of mercury after exposure to methyl mercury salts. Inorganic mercury was preferentially excreted in the feces. The delay in the appearance of central nervous system disturbances following exposure to methyl mercury compounds could not be explained by accumulation of inorganic mercury in the tissue. That the unique toxic effects of exposure to methyl mercury salts are caused by the intact mercurial is supported.