Methylation of Inorganic Mercury in Experimental Jejunal Blind-Loop

Abstract

Abdulla, M., Arnesjö, B. & Ihse, I. Méthylation of inorganic mercury in experimental jejunal blind-loop. Scand. J. Gastroent. 1973, 8, 565-567

Rats with jejunal blind-loops are capable of methylating inorganic mercury administered orally. The rats after receiving inorganic mercury (1 mg/day) for three weeks developed noticeable symptoms, of which some were neurological in nature. The analysis of blood and other organs showed significant amounts of methyl mercury in comparison to control rats. Methyl mercury was found in the brain, the bile, and in much higher concentrations in the liver and the kidney of the rats with blind-loops.

Key-words::

• Blind-loops
• inorganic mercury
• intestinal microorganisms
• methylation
• neuropathy