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Science 18 February 1972:
Vol. 175. no. 4023, pp. 780 - 781
DOI: 10.1126/science.175.4023.780
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Articles

Ultrastructural Evidence for Nephropathy Induced by Long-Term Exposure to Small Amounts of Methyl Mercury

Bruce A. Fowler 1

1 Department of Pathology, University of Oregon Medical School, Portland 97201

A low dose of methyl mercuric chloride fed to female rats for 12 weeks caused extrusion of numerous cytoplasmic masses from kidney proximal tubule cells of the pars recta segment. These masses were characterized ultrastructurally by the presence of a smooth endoplasmic reticulum aggregate. The in vivo metabolism of methyl mercury to inorganic mercury may produce this effect and account for the proteinuria observed in persons occupationally exposed to organic mercury compounds.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Organic mercury compounds: human exposure and its relevance to public health.
J. F Risher, H E. Murray, and G. R Prince (2002)
Toxicology and Industrial Health 18, 109-160
   Abstract »    PDF »
Subtle Lesions of Methylmercury Intoxication.
N. K. Mottet (1974)
Toxicol Pathol 2, 11-17
   PDF »


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