Methylmercury: teratogenic and lethal effects in frog embryos

Journal Article · Tue Jun 01 00:00:00 EDT 1976 · Teratology; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/tera.1420130313· OSTI ID:6295115

Dial, N A

Rana pipiens embryos at the cleavage, blastula, gastrula, and neural-plate stages of development were treated with methylmercuric chloride in concentrations of 0.5-200 parts per billion (ppb) to determine embryocidal and teratogenic effects. Concentrations of 40 ppb and above were lethal to embryos treated during the cleavage stage. Embryos at the blastula, gastrula, and neural-plate stages were treated for 5 days with 5-30 ppb; 5 ppb had only minor effects, 10, 15, and 20 ppb caused various defects (exogastrulae, poor tail development, poor general development) and increased death rates related to exposure time and concentration, and embryos treated with 30 ppb had a high frequency of defects after 24 h and all died by the end of the 3rd day. Individual tolerances to methylmercury of various degrees were observed.

• Research Organization: Indiana State Univ., Terre Haute
• OSTI ID: 6295115
• Journal Information: Teratology; (United States), Journal Name: Teratology; (United States) Vol. 13:3; ISSN TJADA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AMPHIBIANS
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
DEATH
DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIPS
EMBRYOS
FROGS
MERCURY COMPOUNDS
METHYLMERCURY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC MERCURY COMPOUNDS
TERATOGENESIS
TOLERANCE
TOXICITY
VARIATIONS
VERTEBRATES