饮水中低浓度甲基汞对小鼠仔代生长发育及神经行为的影响

目的]ICR小鼠通过饮水暴露于低浓度氯化甲基汞(MeHgCl),观察其子代生长发育和行为及可能产生的毒作用。方法]ICR孕鼠随机分为对照组、低浓度组(0.01mg/L)和高浓度组(0.1mg/L),于怀孕第6天起分别自由饮用蒸馏水、氯化甲基汞含量为0.01mg/L、0.1mg/L的蒸馏水直至哺乳期结束,观察母鼠和仔鼠的一般状况、仔鼠的早期发育、行为反射和学习认知能力等指标。结果]在低浓度甲基汞作用下(相当于饮用水汞卫生标准8倍和80倍水平),亲仔两代均未出现明显的毒性反应。染毒组仔鼠的各项神经发育指标与对照组相比差异无显著性(P>0.05),但是仔鼠的学习能力显著降低(P<0.05)。结论]在饮水中低浓度甲基汞虽然对子代的生长和行为发育没有明显的损害,但是子代的学习能力已受影响。

The Effect on the Growth and Neurobehavioral Development in Mice Offspring by Maternal Exposure to Low Level Methylmercury in Drinking Water

Objective] To study the potential effect of low-level methylmercury on the growth and neurobehavioral development in offspring,ICR mice were given low-level methylmercury through drinking water. Methods] The pregnant ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups( control,low-level and high-level group),and exposed to 0 mg/L,0.01 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L methylmercury in drinking water from pregnant day 6 continued to postnatal day 21. The development of physical and neurobehavioral status,and the cognitive capability were observed. Results] No developmental defect was observed. There was no significant difference in neurobehavioral development among three groups of tested mice. However,the cognitive capability of the litters received lighter dose of methylmercury was retarded(P < 0.05). Conclusion] Low level methylmercury does not affect the growth and neurobehavioral development in mice offspring,while the development for the learning ability is affected.