Mechanisms involved in the transport of mercuric ions in target tissues

Abstract

Mercury exists in the environment in various forms, all of which pose a risk to human health. Despite guidelines regulating the industrial release of mercury into the environment, humans continue to be exposed regularly to various forms of this metal via inhalation or ingestion. Following exposure, mercuric ions are taken up by and accumulate in numerous organs, including brain, intestine, kidney, liver, and placenta. In order to understand the toxicological effects of exposure to mercury, a thorough understanding of the mechanisms that facilitate entry of mercuric ions into target cells must first be obtained. A number of mechanisms for the transport of mercuric ions into target cells and organs have been proposed in recent years. However, the ability of these mechanisms to transport mercuric ions and the regulatory features of these carriers have not been characterized completely. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current findings related to the mechanisms that may be involved in the transport of inorganic and organic forms of mercury in target tissues and organs. This review will describe mechanisms known to be involved in the transport of mercury and will also propose additional mechanisms that may potentially be involved in the transport of mercuric ions into target cells.

Age-related accumulation of toxic metals in the human locus ceruleus

“…The locus ceruleus is close to the fourth ventricle and so could be exposed to toxins in the cerebrospinal fluid [ 2 ], but we found that locus ceruleus neurons close to the fourth ventricle did contain more inorganic mercury than those at a greater distance from the ventricle. Mercury could also employ a noradrenaline-associated transporter to enter locus ceruleus neurons, in a similar way the renal tubule mercury transporter operates [ 51 ]. Toxic metals could also enter locus ceruleus neurons via retrograde uptake from the extensive axonal connections these neurons have with brain microvessels [ 13 ].…”

Oxidative Biochemistry Disbalance and Changes on Proteomic Profile in Salivary Glands of Rats Induced by Chronic Exposure to Methylmercury

“…The experimental model of intragastric gavage, used in this work, illustrates the MeHg intake by food consumption. MeHg is formed by a methyl group attached to the Hg atom (CH 3 Hg), and this allows a greater affinity with thiol groups, mainly of protein components [ 31 ].…”

Imaging Differential Mercury Species Bioaccumulation in Glass Eels Using Isotopic Tracers and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

“…Mercury (Hg) is recognized as a major pollutant and a hazardous metal for living organisms, owing to its toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation through the food web [1]. Hg is present under various chemical forms, which have different toxicities and health repercussions [2]. Hg compounds have long been recognized to target the central nervous system in vertebrates, particularly in developing or juvenile animals [3,4].…”