[Effects of methylmercury on intracellular free calcium content in cerebral cortical neurons]
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Published on: November 20, 2013
1Department of Environmental Health, Tongji Medical University, Wuhan 430030, China.
Objective:
This study was conducted to explore effects and potential mechanism of methylmercury on concentration of intracellular free calcium (Ca(2+)) in the acutely isolated cerebral cortical neurons.
Methods:
Calcium ion indicator Fura-2 two wave-length fluorophotometry was used to measure concentration of Ca(2+).
Results:
(0.10 - 5.00) x 10(-6) mol/L of methylmercury could increase level of free intracellular Ca(2+) in cerebral cortical neurons significantly (P < 0.01), in a dose-response manner. Increase in intracellular free Ca(2+) of neurons caused by methylmercury associated with large influx of Ca(2+) outside cells and release of stored Ca(2+) inside cells, especially by influx of Ca(2+) outside cells. Influx of Ca(2+) outside cells associated with Ca(2+) channels regulated by receptor gate and potential gate, but not associated with sodium-dependent channel.
Conclusion:
Methylmercury lead to abnormal increase of intracellular free Ca(2+) in neurons, which is closely related to Ca(2+) channel.
