Effects of mercury intoxication on the response of horizontal cells of the retina of thraira fish (Hoplias malabaricus)

Methyl mercury (MeHg) is highly neurotoxic, affecting visual function in addition to other central nervous system functions. The effect of mercury intoxication on the amplitude of horizontal cell responses to light was studied in the retina of the fish Hoplias malabaricus. Intracellular responses were recorded from horizontal cells of fish previously intoxicated with MeHg by intraperitoneal injection (IP group) or by trophic exposure (T group). Only one retina per fish was used. The doses of MeHg chloride administered to the IP group were 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 1.0, 2.0, and 6.0 mg/kg. The amplitudes of the horizontal cell responses were lower than control in individuals exposed to 0.01 (N = 4 retinas), 0.05 (N = 2 retinas) and 0.1 mg/kg (N = 1 retina), whereas no responses were recorded in the 1.0, 2.0, and 6.0 mg/kg groups. T group individuals were fed young specimens of Astyanax sp previously injected with MeHg corresponding to 0.75 (N = 1 retina), 0.075 (N = 8 retinas) or 0.0075 (N = 4 retinas) mg/kg fish body weight. After 14 doses, one every 5 days, the amplitude of the horizontal cell response was higher than control in individuals exposed to 0.075 and 0.0075 mg/kg, and lower in individuals exposed to 0.75 mg/kg. We conclude that intoxication with MeHg affects the electrophysiological response of the horizontal cells in the retina, either reducing or increasing its amplitude compared to control, and that these effects are related to the dose and/or to the mode of administration.

Effects of methylmercury on male reproductive functions in Wistar rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Oral exposure to methylmercury modifies the prostatic microenvironment in adult rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Effects of methylmercury on electric organ discharges in the weak electric fish Gymnotus sylvius

Methylmercury (MeHg) is present in the environment because of natural and anthropogenic causes. MeHg can reach the central nervous system (CNS) and cause neurological damage in humans and animals. Electric organ discharges (EODs) in the weak electric fish Gymnotus sylvius are produced by the electric organ and modulated by the CNS. These discharges are used for electrolocation and communication. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary MeHg exposure on EOD rate in G. sylvius. An oscilloscope was used to record the EOD rate. Two treatments were investigated: chronic MeHg administration (4 μg/kg MeHg every 2 days, with a total of nine dietary exposures to MeHg) and acute MeHg administration (a single dose of 20 μg/kg MeHg). The control data for both treatments were collected every 2 days for 18 days, with a total of nine sessions (day 1 until day 18). Data of fish exposed to MeHg were collected every 2 days, totaling nine sessions (day 19 until day 36). Chronic treatment significantly increased the EOD rate in G. sylvius (p<.05), especially with the final treatment (day 32 until day 36). Acute treatment resulted in an initial increase in the EOD rate, which was maintained midway through the experiment (day 26 until day 30 p<.05). The present study provides the first insights into the effects of MeHg on EODs in weak electric fish. The EOD rate is a novel response of the fish to MeHg administration.

Intoxicação alimentar por metilmercúrio em tilápia do Nilo e sua biomagnificação em ratos wistar

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Phytoremediation Potential of Mana-Cubiu (Solanum sessiliflorum Dunal) for the Deleterious Effects of Methylmercury on the Reproductive System of Rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Estudo da distribuição e do potencial de metilação do mercúrio em solos e sedimentos de áreas a serem inundadas para aproveitamento hidrelétrico: Vinicius Marques Gomes. -

Pós-graduação em Química - IQ

In situ selective determination of methylmercury in river water by diffusive gradient in thin films technique (DGT) using baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) immobilized in agarose gel as binding phase

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Avaliação da Saccharomyces cerevisiae como agente ligante na técnica de difusão em filmes finos por gradiente de concentração (DGT) para a determinação de metilmercúrio

Sabendo-se do potencial de toxicidade do mercúrio, mais especificamente de sua forma orgânica, o metilmercúrio (MeHg), faz-se necessária a busca por métodos analíticos eficientes e precisos para a determinação e especiação do metal. A técnica de difusão por gradiente em filmes finos (DGT) já vem sendo utilizada para tal fim de maneira eficiente tendo apresentado resultados satisfatórios em diversos estudos. Porém, a utilização de ligantes alternativos aos convencionais, que tornem a aplicação da técnica menos custosa em termos laborais e financeiros, faz-se importante para um monitoramento constante e eficiente do metilmercúrio no ambiente. No presente trabalho buscou-se avaliar o potencial da levedura Saccharomyces cerevisiae imobilizada em agarose em combinação com a poliacrilamida como agente difusivo para determinação seletiva de MeHg. Os resultados demonstraram-se positivo, com um coeficiente de difusão médio de 7,03 ± 0,77 x 10-6 cm2 s-1. Os resultados demonstraram também baixa influencia do pH, força iônica e outros íons na retenção do analito pelos dispositivos. As recuperações de Hg2+ demonstraram-se insatisfatórios, evidenciando a seletividade dos dispositivos

Determinação in situ de metilmercúrio e mercúrio (II) em sistemas aquáticos nas proximidades de refinarias de petróleo, utilizando a técnica difusão em filmes finos por gradiente de concentração (DGT)

Pós-graduação em Geociências e Meio Ambiente - IGCE