The distribution of HgCl2 in rat body and its effects on fetus

Both female and male Wistar rats were dividend into 3 groups according to their body weights. The two test groups were given 75 micrograms/ml and 7.5 micrograms/ml HgCl, respectively, via drinking water, while the control group was given distilled water. Animals were mated after the male rats were treated for 12 weeks and female rats for 2 weeks. Blood samples from rats were taken on the 18th day of the pregnancy and the results showed that the HgCl2 was absorbed and stored in the blood in the form of inorganic mercury. The greatest amount of HgCl2 was found in the kidney. The placenta and the tests also had high mercury deposits. Fetuses showed low levels of HgCl2, thus, the placenta appears to serve as a barrier against HgCl2. No pathological changes were observed in the placenta, ovary, liver, and kidney in the female rats, but the epithelial cells of the rental proximal convoluted tubules were cloudy and swelling. The renal corpuscle showed no changes in the male rats. Pathological examination showed that a portion of the seminiferous epithelia were falling off, and the number of sperm released by the male was reduced. Examination by electron microscopy revealed that particulate fat was increased in sperm cells, which suggests that spermatozoa had been degenerated and were possibly one of the causes for the decreased rates of pregnancy in the exposed groups. No malformation of organs and bones in the rat fetuses were observed.