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Electron microscopic X-ray microanalysis of the nervous system after mercury intoxication
Folia Psychiatrica Et Neurologica Japonica
|January 1, 1978
Summary
Methyl mercury intoxication in rats revealed mercury accumulation in nerve cells, particularly within lysosome-like bodies and endoplasmic reticulum. This suggests mercury directly damages the nervous system, impacting peripheral nerves and the cerebellum.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Methylmercury is a potent neurotoxin.
- Understanding mercury's cellular distribution is crucial for neurotoxicity research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cellular localization of mercury in the nervous system of rats following methylmercury intoxication.
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms of methylmercury-induced neurotoxicity.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a novel electron microscopic X-ray microanalytical technique.
- Examined nervous system tissues from rats exposed to methylmercury.
Main Results:
- Detected mercury accumulation in lysosome-like dense bodies of peripheral nerves and cerebellum.
- Observed mercury prominently in collapsing cells and suggested presence in Schwann cell endoplasmic reticulum.
- Identified challenges in precise localization due to mercury-sulfur peak overlap at low concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Mercury penetrates nervous system cells and directly causes cellular damage.
- Lysosome-like dense bodies and endoplasmic reticulum are key sites of mercury accumulation.
- Further refinement of analytical techniques may be needed for precise low-level mercury quantification.