News & Features: The brain is defenseless against mercury

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posted 18. July 2005 16:08

Environmental Science & Technology June 1 (volume 39, page 234A)

The brain is defenseless against mercury

Introduction:

Researchers have long known that mercury increases mortality and decreases fertility in fish, but the underlying metabolic processes are still unknown. New research in this issue of ES&T (pp 3972-3980) helps uncover some of the mystery by examining which genes respond when fish are fed methylmercury (MeHg). Although multiple genes turn on in the muscle and liver to help store and detoxify the metal, the brain appears unresponsive and accumulates high levels of mercury. This leads researchers to believe that neural tissue might be unable to defend itself against this toxic compound.

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