JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway mediates methylmercury toxicity in mouse astrocyte neuronal C8-D1A cell line.

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental pollutant. Consumption of contaminated fish is the main exposure route in humans, leading to severe neurological disorders. Upon ingestion MeHg reaches the brain and selectively accumulates in astrocytes disrupting glutamate and calcium homeostasis and increasing oxidative stress.