Abstract
Nearly 100% of CH3Hg ingested in foods is absorbed. Thus with continued exposure, elimination rate becomes the critical determinant of CH3Hg body burden. We have observed significant dietary effects on rates of Hg excretion. Female BALB/c mice (3-8 months of age) were fed ad libitum Pet evaporated whole milk [M], Agway RMH 3000 pelleted diet [P], or GIBCO 116EC liquid diet [G], for one week prior and two weeks subsequent to a single p.o.dose of ≥ (0.5 mg/kg). Estimated whole body elimination half-times during 14 days after dosing were: [M]: 19.2 days (95% confidence limits:16.6-22.9); [P]: 10.6 (9.9-11.5); [G]: 5.8 (5.3-6.3). Decrease in whole body radioactivity was accurately reflected in counts recovered in excreta. Brain Hg concentrations at 14 days correlated with relative body burdens. In a similarly designed experiment female mice were dosed i.m. with CH3203HgCl or 203HgCl2 (0.5 mg/kg). A differential effect of diet on 203Hg elimination rates was confirmed in the CH3Hg dosed groups. However, in mice dosed with 203HgCl2, we observed no differences in Hg whole body elimination rates between evaporated milk diet and pellet diet groups, but the GIBCO diet group showed a more rapid elimination rate. These results provide clues concerning possible mechanisms of metabolism and excretion of Hg compounds. We have shown that non-Hg dietary components can significantly affect mercury body burdens and that possible effects of diet must be considered in estimating exposure risks
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Landry, T., Doherty, R. & Gates, A. 258 DIETARY EFFECTS ON MERCURY ELIMINATION AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF CH3HgCl OR HgCl2. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 406 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00263
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00263