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Methylmercury Metabolism in Pregnant Mice: Its Modification by Selenium with Particular Reference to Prenatal Toxicity of These Compounds

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Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Metals

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Abstract

Since selenium protection against methylmercury embryotoxicity and teratogenicity is variable according to the dose-combinations of both chemicals, modification of methylmercury metabolism by selenium in pregnant mice has been reviewed.

The effect of selenite on the placental transfer and fetal accumulation of methylmercury is not considered to be the explanation for the modification of toxicity, while the fetal accumulation of selenium is enhanced by administration of methylmercury.

From these modifications by selenite of the dose-response relationships for methylmercury, an additive (or synergistic) influence by selenite on the embryo- and fetolethal effect of methylmercury is proposed. These relationships were observed for mercury concentrations on maternal blood and amniotic fluid versus the total embryonic and fetal death rate, and the toxicity of selenite itself in the fetoplacental complex.

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  1. Department of Human Ecology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan

    Tsuguyoshi Suzuki

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  1. Tsuguyoshi Suzuki
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  1. Division of Toxicology Department of Radiation Biology and Biophysics, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA

    Thomas W. Clarkson  & Polly R. Sager  & 

  2. Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Umea, Umea, Sweden

    Gunnar F. Nordberg

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Suzuki, T. (1983). Methylmercury Metabolism in Pregnant Mice: Its Modification by Selenium with Particular Reference to Prenatal Toxicity of These Compounds. In: Clarkson, T.W., Nordberg, G.F., Sager, P.R. (eds) Reproductive and Developmental Toxicity of Metals. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-9346-1_30

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