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Title: Attempt to assess the inheritable effect of methylmercury toxicity subsequent to prenatal exposure of mice

Journal Article · · Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02020994· OSTI ID:6396181

In a previous experiment, the authors treated pregnant mice with 20 mg/kg methylmercuric chloride and observed the growth of their offspring. After the termination of the experiment, three male offspring were mated with ten untreated females. Four fetuses with neural tube defects and two with minor malformations were found among 73 offspring when examined at term. Although it was hoped that this high percentage of malformations might be just a change occurrence, they decided to examine the effect of maternal exposure to methylmercury on the reproduction of the second filial generation (F2). Since many offspring died during the perinatal period in the previous experiment when pregnant mice were treated with 20 mg/kg methylmercuric chloride, dams were given 15 mg/kg of the chemical to obtain a viable first filial generation (F1) in the present experiment. The F1 males were used to determine the potential of methylmercury to produce male-mediated fetal effects, and female littermates were examined for mercury retention.

Research Organization:
National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto (Japan)
OSTI ID:
6396181
Journal Information:
Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Vol. 41:4
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English