Inorganic mercury and methylmercury inhibit the Cav3.1 channel expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells by different mechanisms.

Part of the neurotoxic effects of inorganic mercury (Hg(2+)) and methylmercury (MeHg) was attributed to their interaction with voltage-activated calcium channels. Effects of mercury on T-type calcium channels are controversial. Therefore, we investigated effects of Hg(2+) and MeHg on neuronal Ca(v)3.