Effects of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) on mercury distribution after Hg(o) exposure.

Effects of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a glutathione (GSH) depletor, on mercury (Hg) distribution were studied after mercury vapor (Hg(o)) exposure (3.2 mg/m3) in mice. BSO (1.6 g/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased the GSH levels in the liver, kidney and lung. Pretreatment with BSO increased Hg concentrations in the lung, liver and plasma, but decreased Hg concentration in the kidney. These findings indicate that GSH functions as a determinant in the changes of Hg distribution after Hg(o) exposure. Possible causes of the alterations in Hg distribution are discussed, including the anticipated enhancement in the Hg(o) oxidation process in the tissues with decreased GSH levels as well as the transportation of Hg2+ derived from oxidation of Hg(o). Concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined as an indicator of oxidative damage, but the increase in TBARS was not detected in any tissue examined.