Title: Behavioral effects of developmental methylmercury drinking water exposure in rodents.

Authors: Bisen-Hersh, Emily B; Farina, Marcelo; Barbosa Jr, Fernando; Rocha, Joao B T; Aschner, Michael

Published In J Trace Elem Med Biol, (2014 Apr)

Abstract: Early methylmercury (MeHg) exposure can have long-lasting consequences likely arising from impaired developmental processes, the outcome of which has been exposed in several longitudinal studies of affected populations. Given the large number of newborns at an increased risk of learning disabilities associated with in utero MeHg exposure, it is important to study neurobehavioral alterations using ecologically valid and physiologically relevant models. This review highlights the benefits of using the MeHg drinking water exposure paradigm and outlines behavioral outcomes arising from this procedure in rodents. Combination treatments that exacerbate or ameliorate MeHg-induced effects, and possible molecular mechanisms underlying behavioral impairment are also discussed.

PubMed ID: 24210169

MeSH Terms: Animals; Behavior, Animal/drug effects*; Drinking Water/adverse effects*; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects*; Female; Methylmercury Compounds/blood; Methylmercury Compounds/toxicity*; Pregnancy; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/blood; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/etiology*; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects/pathology*; Rodentia