Neurobehavioral toxicity in progeny of rat mothers exposed to methylmercury during gestation.

Introduction: Methylmercury (MeHg) is recognized as one of the most hazardous environmental pollutants. This may be a concern to long-term consumption of contaminated fish and seafood for health risk to pregnant women and their children.

Aim: An animal study was conducted to assess the effect of MeHg exposure on rodent offspring following in utero exposure.

Influence of gestational exposure on the effects of prenatal exposure to methyl mercury on postnatal development in rats.

Fish and other aquatic organisms are important source of dietary proteins for the human population. Fish meat, however, is contaminated with methyl mercury (MeHg), a potent neurotoxin. The well known Minamata and Niigata epidemic outcomes in Japan have raised the awareness of the health risk resulting from consumption of fish (and shellfish) from water basins polluted with industrial wastes containing mercury.