Naslov
Mercury disposition in suckling rats: Comparative assessment following parenteral exposure to thiomersal and mercuric chloride

Autori
Blanuša, Maja ; Orct, Tatjana ; Vihnanek Lazarus, Maja ; Sekovanić, Ankica ; Piasek, Martina

Izvornik
Journal of biomedicine and biotechnology (1110-7243) 2012 (2012);

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
mercuric chloride; thiomersal; young rats; parenteral exposure; mercury retention and excretion

Sažetak
Due to the facts that thiomersal-containing vaccine is still in use in many developing countries, and all forms of mercury have recognised neurotoxic, nephrotoxic, and other toxic effects, studies on disposition of ethylmercury and other mercury forms are still justified, especially at young age. Our investigation aimed at comparing mercury distribution and rate of excretion in the early period of life following exposure to either thiomersal (TM) or mercuric chloride (HgCl2) in suckling rats. Three experimental groups were studied: control, TM and HgCl2, with 12 to18 pups in each. Both forms of mercury were administered subcutaneously in equimolar quantities (0.81 µmol/kg b.w.) three times during the suckling period (on the day of birth 7, 9, and 11) to mimic the vaccination regimen in infants. After the last administration of TM or HgCl2, total mercury retention and excretion was assessed during following six days. In TM -exposed group mercury retention was higher in the brain, enteral excretion was similar, and urinary excretion was much lower compared to HgCl2-exposed sucklings. More research is still needed to elucidate all aspects of toxicokinetics and most harmful neurotoxic potential of various forms of mercury, especially in the earliest period of life.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kemija, Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

Napomena
Article is published in theme issue "Mercury Toxicology" on the guest editor's invitation.

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