Effects of systemic methyl mercury-adulterated water consumption on fast axonal transport in the rat visual system

The present study was designed in an effort to determine whether changes in fast axonal transport in the mature rat visual system can be directly correlated with the onset of neurological dysfunction. Methyl mercury was administered in the drinking water at a concentration of 54 micrograms Hg/ml. Fast axonal transport of proteins in the optic nerve and tract was quantified by scintillation spectrometry of protein-bound radioactivity along the visual pathway after an intraocular injection of 3H-proline. At 8 hours after injection the labeled protein had reached the lateral geniculate body both in controls and treated animals. However, two-way analysis of variance revealed a significant decrease in the volume of transported protein-bound radioactivity along the visual pathway. Thus, while the rate of fast axonal transport does not seem to be correlated with the onset of motor dysfunction, the onset of neurological symptoms may be associated with abnormal transport capacity. Treatment lowered body weight to the same extent in males and females. Hind limb cross-over occurred after 25.6 +/- 0.8 days and was followed quickly by hind limb paralysis (32 +/- 0.6 days). The cerebellum revealed pyknotic nuclei throughout the internal granular layer. Purkinje cells appeared normal. No pathological changes were noted in the kidneys.