Absorption, distribution, and excretion of methylmercury in mice.

Abstract

The biotransformation of inorganic mercury to methylmercury in aquatic food chains has become recognized as a serious environmental hazard. The use of methylmercury as a seed preservative is another major source of environmental pollution by this organometallic contaminant. The present report embodies integrated observations on the uptake, distribution and excretion of CH/sub 3/ in the varied tissues of mice following single oral as well as intraperitoneal administration.