Abstract
The effects of methylmercury on cultured mammalian cells were studied by light and electron microscopy. At 5 × 10 −6 m concentration methylmercury depressed the proliferation of mouse glioma cells almost completely and increased the mitotic indices. In the electron micrographs of the cells treated with 5 × 10 −6 m methylmercury for 4 hr, microtubules as mitotic spindle fiber were absent and chromosomes were scattered in a disorderly fashion in the cytoplasm. From these observations we concluded that exposure to methylmercury inhibits the cell mitosis by blocking the polymerization of tubulin to microtubules and results in the accumulation of the cells on the way of mitosis. Changes in behaviors of other mitotic apparatus and of fibrillar structures other than microtubules are also described.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
