Effect of mercury toxiocity on serum osmolality, plasma sodium and potassium, and serum proteins in the chicken.

Juvenile male chickens were exposed continuously to 300 micrograms/ml of mercury (Hg) in the form of mercuric chloride (HgCl2), via the drinking water, from hatching through six weeks of age. Serum osmolality and plasma potassium were increased significantly as a result of the Hg treatment. Plasma sodium was increased numerically in two of the three trials. Of the serum proteins, only albumin and the transferrins exhibited a consistent significant increase. It is concluded that alterations in serum ions and proteins account for the significant increase in plasma osmolality. The increase in transferrins may represent a mechanism to bind and detoxify Hg.