Effects of sodium selenite on methylmercury distribution in mice of late gestational period

Abstract

Mercury distribution in pregnant mice, subcutaneously injected with 1.5 or 15.0 mumol/kg of methylmercury chloride (MeHg) and 0, 1.5 or 15.0 mumol/kg of sodium selenite, was investigated. Selenite increased the retention of mercury in maternal brain in every combination of doses. Selenite also increased mercury concentrations in maternal blood except one combination (MeHg 1.5; selenite 1.5 mumol/kg), and the increased mercury was partitioned to red blood cells. The increased mercury retention by selenite was also found in fetal brain.