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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Oral exposure to methylmercury modifies the prostatic microenvironment in adult rats

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Author(s):
Fossato da Silva, Daniela A. [1] ; Barbosa, Jr., Fernando [2] ; Scarano, Wellerson R.
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, UNESP, Dept Morphol, Inst Biosci, BR-18618000 Botucatu, SP - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Clin, Fac Pharmaceut Sci Toxicol & Bromatol Anal, BR-14049 Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: International Journal of Experimental Pathology; v. 93, n. 5, p. 354-360, OCT 2012.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant that is highly toxic to the central nervous system. As its effects on male reproductive system are poorly understood, this study was carried out to analyse the effects of MeHg on the rat prostate. To evaluate the MeHg toxicity on ventral prostate, three groups of adult male Wistar rats received oral doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 3.0mg/kg MeHg, respectively, on a daily basis for 14days. A fourth group was used as a control. The prostate weight was decreased in rats treated orally with 0.5mg/kg MeHg compared to controls. Also, Hg concentration increased significantly in the prostate after treatments. There were reductions in serum testosterone levels and androgen receptor immunoreactivity in animals receiving 3.0mgMeHg/kg. The stereological data showed changes in the prostatic epithelial, stromal and luminal compartments which varied according to the different doses. Histopathological alterations, such as chronic inflammation, stratified epithelial hyperplasia and epithelial inflammatory reactive atypia, were observed in the 0.5mg/kg MeHg-treated group. Epithelial atrophy was observed in the 3.0mg/kg MeHg-treated group. In conclusion, the MeHg affects prostatic homoeostasis resulting in histopathological changes that may be relevant in the pathogenesis of prostatic disease. (AU)