Perinatal methylmercury intoxication: behavioral effects in rats

Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to perinatal (4th gestational day until Postnatal Day 21) methylmercury intoxication to determine the long-term behavioral effect of the mercury poisoning. Experimental and control animals were evaluated at 110-140 days of age. Compared to controls, the methylmercury animals demonstrated significant behavioral deficits characterized by hypoactivity and by reduced appetitive, escape, and avoidance learning.