Interaction between selenium and inorganic mercury. 1978

M Berlin

Data on mercury and selenium interaction in the mammalian body are reviewed. Experimental data from studies on rats show that selenium interacts with mercury metabolism and toxicity after exposure to mercuric mercury. Autopsy data from workers exposed to mercury vapor indicate an association between mercury and selenium retention in the central nervous system, suggesting the formation of a mercury-selenium complex. In animal experiments, mercuric mercury interferes with selenium metabolism and toxicity. Available data do not, at present, permit deduction as to whether additional selenium intake in man, exposed to mercury vapor or mercuric mercury, will have any effect, beneficial or adverse.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008628 Mercury A silver metallic element that exists as a liquid at room temperature. It has the atomic symbol Hg (from hydrargyrum, liquid silver), atomic number 80, and atomic weight 200.59. Mercury is used in many industrial applications and its salts have been employed therapeutically as purgatives, antisyphilitics, disinfectants, and astringents. It can be absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes which leads to MERCURY POISONING. Because of its toxicity, the clinical use of mercury and mercurials is diminishing.
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D012643 Selenium An element with the atomic symbol Se, atomic number 34, and atomic weight 78.97. It is an essential micronutrient for mammals and other animals but is toxic in large amounts. Selenium protects intracellular structures against oxidative damage. It is an essential component of GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE. Selenium-80,Selenium 80

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