Modified distribution of methylmercury by additional exposure to elemental mercury or mercuric chloride in mice fed methylmercuric chloride.

Male IVCS mice fed pellets containing 8 nmol methylmercuric chloride (MMC)/g feed for 32 days were additionally inhaled elemental mercury vapor (Hg0) or injected mercuric chloride (Hg2+). The modified distribution of accumulated organic mercury was observed 24 hr after exposure to inorganic mercurials. The body burden of organic mercury decreased significantly in MMC + Hg2+ treated mice and moderately (nor significant) in MMC + Hg0 treated mice when compared with MMC treated mice. In spite of the decreased body burden, the organic mercury levels in brain, kidneys and blood MMC + Hg0 treated mice, and in kidneys of MMC + Hg2+ treated mice were elevated. In bile, organic mercury concentration after Hg0 or Hg2+ exposure was reduced. The decrease of the blood cells-to-plasma ratio of organic mercury in mice after Hg0 exposure is in agreement with the data reported for workers exposed to mercury vapor.