The permeability of the Syrian hamster placenta to mercury

Three mercury compounds; mercuric acetate, mercuric nitrate and phenylmercuric acetate, labeled with ²⁰³Hg, were administered to pregnant hamsters early on the 8th gestation day. Mercury levels of selected tissues were measured 24 and 96 hours after injection. Significant concentrations of mercury were found in maternal tissues, placentae, and embryos. The results are discussed in relation to other reports on the placental transfer of radiolabeled cadmium, manganese, mercury, and zinc.