Ultrastructural changes in rat hepatocytes following acute methyl mercury intoxication

Journal Article · Sun Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1975 · Environ. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0013-9351(75)90003-1· OSTI ID:7358685

Desnoyers, P A; Chang, L W

Male rats were given daily subcutaneous injections of methylmercuric chloride (CH/sub 3/HgCl) at a dosage of 10 mg/kg body weight for 4 days. The earliest ultrastructural changes consisted of dilatation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, wavy transformation of the mitochondrial membranes and occasional accumulation of liposomes. Focal areas of cytoplasmic degradation were observed 1 day after the initial administration of mercury. An increased number of lysosomes as well as swelling and floccular degeneration of the mitochondria were frequently observed at 2 days. Sequestration of cytoplasmic organelles within the hepatocytes, extrusion of degenerated hepatic organelles and cytoplasmic debris into the sinusoid could be observed 24 hours after the initial mercury administration and became a frequent finding after 4 days of intoxication. (auth)

• Research Organization: Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison
• OSTI ID: 7358685
• Journal Information: Environ. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Res.; (United States) Vol. 9:3; ISSN ENVRA
• 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.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BODY
CELL CONSTITUENTS
CYTOPLASM
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
GLANDS
LIVER
MAMMALS
MITOCHONDRIA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC MERCURY COMPOUNDS
ORGANOIDS
ORGANS
RATS
RODENTS
VERTEBRATES