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Evaluation of the Effects of Chronic Intoxication with Inorganic Mercury on Memory and Motor Control in Rats

Author

Listed:
  • Francisco B. Teixeira

    (Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém-Pará, Brazil)

  • Rafael M. Fernandes

    (Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém-Pará, Brazil)

  • Paulo M. A. Farias-Junior

    (Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém-Pará, Brazil)

  • Natacha M. M. Costa

    (Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém-Pará, Brazil)

  • Luanna M. P. Fernandes

    (Laboratory Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém-Pará, Brazil)

  • Luana N. S. Santana

    (Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém-Pará, Brazil)

  • Ademir F. Silva-Junior

    (Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém-Pará, Brazil)

  • Marcia C. F. Silva

    (Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém-Pará, Brazil)

  • Cristiane S. F. Maia

    (Laboratory Pharmacology of Inflammation and Behavior, Institute of Health Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém-Pará, Brazil)

  • Rafael R. Lima

    (Laboratory of Functional and Structural Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, 66075-900 Belém-Pará, Brazil)

Abstract

The aims of this study were to evaluate whether chronic intoxication with mercury chloride (HgCl 2 ), in a low concentration over a long time, can be deposited in the central nervous tissue and to determine if this exposure induces motor and cognitive impairments. Twenty animals were intoxicated for 45 days at a dose of 0.375 mg/kg/day. After this period, the animals underwent a battery of behavioral tests, in a sequence of open field, social recognition, elevated T maze and rotarod tests. They were then sacrificed, their brains collected and the motor cortex and hippocampus dissected for quantification of mercury deposited. This study demonstrates that long-term chronic HgCl 2 intoxication in rats promotes functional damage. Exposure to HgCl 2 induced anxiety-related responses, short- and long-term memory impairments and motor deficits. Additionally, HgCl 2 accumulated in both the hippocampus and cortex of the brain with a higher affinity for the cortex.

Suggested Citation

  • Francisco B. Teixeira & Rafael M. Fernandes & Paulo M. A. Farias-Junior & Natacha M. M. Costa & Luanna M. P. Fernandes & Luana N. S. Santana & Ademir F. Silva-Junior & Marcia C. F. Silva & Cristiane S, 2014. "Evaluation of the Effects of Chronic Intoxication with Inorganic Mercury on Memory and Motor Control in Rats," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-15, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:11:y:2014:i:9:p:9171-9185:d:39954
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