Blood coagulation changes in rats poisoned with methylmercuric chloride (MeHg)

The effects of methylmercuric chloride on the coagulability of blood were studied in rats. The administration of a single dose (17.9 mg Hg/kg) and a repeated dose (5 X 8 mg Hg/kg/day) of this compound resulted in hypercoagulation. The reduction of the clotting time, the increase of fibrinogen level in plasma and changes characteristic of hypercoagulation in the thromboelastographic parameters were observed. Simultaneously, signs of impaired activity of blood platelets: decreased aggregation velocity and clot retraction as well as prolongation of the bleeding time were noticed.