Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
Transport of inorganic mercury and methylmercury in target tissues and organs
Christy C Bridges1, Rudolfs K Zalups
1Division of Basic Medical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia 31207, USA. bridges_cc@mercer.edu
Abstract:
Owing to the prevalence of mercury in the environment, the risk of human exposure to this toxic metal continues to increase. Following exposure to mercury, this metal accumulates in numerous organs, including brain, intestine, kidneys, liver, and placenta. Although a number of mechanisms for the transport of mercuric ions into target organs were proposed in recent years, these mechanisms have not been characterized completely. This review summarizes the current literature related to the transport of inorganic and organic forms of mercury in various tissues and organs. This review identifies known mechanisms of mercury transport and provides information on additional mechanisms that may potentially play a role in the transport of mercuric ions into target cells.
Related Concept Videos
The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements
Periodic Table Provides Information...
The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements
Drug Distribution: Tissue Binding
For...
Toxic Reactions: Overview
Toxicity falls into two primary categories: local and systemic.
Local toxicity appears at the exposure site, such as protein denaturation caused by caustic substances.
In contrast, systemic toxicity requires the toxic agent's absorption and distribution,...
Tissue-Drug Binding: Localization of Drugs and its Significance
Drugs can bind to different tissue components, enhancing their distribution and localization. The factors influencing drug localization in tissues include the drug's lipophilicity, structural characteristics, tissue perfusion rate, and pH differences. These factors determine the...
Drug Excretion: Miscellaneous Routes
