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CH3041
MERCURY TOXICOLOGY
• HgMe+ is lipophilic ® BCF 50000. It may cross
the blood-brain barrier where it shuts down
the CNS. It also reacts irreversibly with sulphydryl groups
(Cysteine) in proteins.
This denatures proteins (structural and
enzymes) which cease to function.
enzymes) which cease to function.
• HgMe+ is a cumulative poison as the
clearance from the body is a slow (t½ > 70 d)
clearance from the body is a slow (t½ > 70 d)
• Hg metal is
taken up by the lungs, is
oxidised by red blood cells to Hg2+® goes
to the brain.
oxidised by red blood cells to Hg2+® goes
to the brain.
• Inorganic mercury when ingested
(non-lipophilic) mainly gets trapped by &
destroys the kidneys.
(non-lipophilic) mainly gets trapped by &
destroys the kidneys.
