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Published on: June 17, 2015
Methylmercury increases S100B content in rat cerebrospinal fluid
M Farina1, V Cereser, L V Portela
1Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos, 2600 Anexo, CEP 90035 003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040 900, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Abstract:
S100B, a calcium binding protein physiologically produced and released by astrocytes, has been used as a peripheral marker of brain damage. Here, we investigated the effects of subcutaneous injections of methylmercury chloride (MeHg-5mg/kg), an environmental neurotoxicant, on S100B protein content in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of adult rats. In addition, the performance of animals in an open field (number of squares crossing and rearings) was also analyzed in order to obtain a possible link between alteration in S100B protein content in CSF and parameters related to neurological injury. MeHg treatment increased serum mercury and S100B protein levels in the CSF. A decrease in the numbers of crossings and rearings was observed in MeHg-treated animals when compared to control group, which suggests a possible neurological injury. The present data show, for the first time, increased S100B levels in CSF after exposure to a neurotoxic metal. Authors discuss the possibility of astrocytic involvement in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.
