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

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

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Author(s):
C.L. Tanan [1] ; D.F. Ventura [2] ; J.M. de Souza [3] ; S.R. Grotzner [4] ; M. Mela [5] ; A. Gouveia Jr. [6] ; C.A. Oliveira-Ribeiro [7]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Neurociências e Comportamento. Instituto de Psicologia - Brasil
[2] Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Neurociências e Comportamento. Instituto de Psicologia - Brasil
[3] Universidade de São Paulo. Centro de Neurociências e Comportamento. Instituto de Psicologia - Brasil
[4] Universidade Federal do Paraná. Departamento de Biologia Celular - Brasil
[5] Universidade Federal do Paraná. Departamento de Biologia Celular - Brasil
[6] Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, UNESP. Departamento de Psicologia - Brasil
[7] Universidade Federal do Paraná. Departamento de Biologia Celular - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 7
Document type: Journal article
Source: Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research; v. 39, n. 7, p. 987-995, 2006-07-00.
Abstract

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. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 02/12733-8 - Sensory losses caused by mercury intoxication: psychophysical and neurophysiological studies in patients and in animal models
Grantee:Dora Selma Fix Ventura
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants