[Morphological observations of effects on mouse brain exposed to subteratogenic--dose of methylmercury]

Short-term and long-term changes in mouse brain caused by in utero exposure to subteratogenic-dose of methylmercury were studied with electronic computer digitalized graphic system, electron microscopy and other methods. Results revealed degeneration and loss of mouse brain cells occurred both in short-term and long-term groups, but the lesions were more severe in the latter than in the former groups. The fact that exposed young mice exhibited no obvious abnormality in their outward appearance and behavior indicated subteratogenic-dose of methylmercury had a long-term and latent toxic effects on mouse brain.