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Nephrotoxic actions of low-dose mercury in mice: protection by zinc
Onyenmechi J Afonne1, Orish E Orisakwe, Ejeatuluchukwu Obi
1Department of Pharmacology, College of Health Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nwewi Campus, Nigeria. connice@infoweb.abs.net
Abstract:
The authors conducted this study to determine if very-low-dose (i.e., 4 ppm) mercury is nephrotoxic and, if so, whether the nephrotoxic actions of mercury in mice could be prevented by zinc intake. Animals were administered 4 ppm mercuric chloride and/or 800 ppm zinc chloride in their drinking water for 12 wk. The animals were sacrificed at the end of the exposure period, and their kidneys were excised, weighed, and processed for histological study. Both metals reduced significantly (p < .05) the absolute and relative kidney weights of the animals. Zinc-treated animals showed normal kidney histology that was comparable with that of the control. Mercury treatment produced necrosis and widening of the glomeruli, whereas a combination of both metals resulted in protection from the toxic effects, with most nephrons resembling the control. The results indicate that low-dose mercury exposure in mice kidney induces some degenerative effects, which are prevented by zinc.
Insights
Very-low-dose mercury (4 ppm) can harm mouse kidneys, causing degenerative effects. However, concurrent zinc intake (800 ppm) significantly protected kidney health, preventing mercury-induced damage.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Environmental Health
- Renal Physiology
Background:
- Mercury is a known nephrotoxicant, but its effects at very low doses are not fully understood.
- Zinc is an essential mineral with potential protective roles against heavy metal toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nephrotoxicity of very-low-dose mercury (4 ppm) in mice.
- To determine if zinc supplementation can prevent mercury-induced kidney damage.
Main Methods:
- Mice were exposed to 4 ppm mercuric chloride and/or 800 ppm zinc chloride in drinking water for 12 weeks.
- Kidney weights were measured, and histological examinations were performed.
- Statistical analysis was used to assess the significance of observed effects (p < .05).
Main Results:
- Both mercury and zinc significantly reduced absolute and relative kidney weights.
- Mercury exposure led to glomerular necrosis and widening.
- Co-administration of zinc with mercury prevented toxic effects, preserving normal kidney histology.
Conclusions:
- Very-low-dose mercury exposure induces degenerative changes in mouse kidneys.
- Zinc intake effectively prevents mercury-induced nephrotoxicity at the studied doses.
- This suggests a potential therapeutic role for zinc in mitigating mercury poisoning.
