Chronic kidney disease in pregnant mothers affects maternal and fetal disposition of mercury.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 15 % of the adults in the United States. Pregnant women with CKD present an additional challenge in that they are at increased risk for adverse events such as preterm birth. Exposure to environmental toxicants, such as methylmercury, may exacerbate maternal disease and increase the risk of adverse fetal outcomes.

Pregnancy Alters Renal and Blood Burden of Mercury in Females.

Methylmercury (CHHg), a common environmental toxicant, has serious detrimental effects in numerous organ systems. We hypothesize that a significant physiological change, like pregnancy, can alter the disposition and accumulation of mercury. To test this hypothesis, pregnant and non-pregnant female Wistar rats were exposed orally to CHHg.

Oral exposure of pregnant rats to toxic doses of methylmercury alters fetal accumulation.

Methylmercury (CHHg) is an environmental toxicant that may lead to significant pathologies in exposed individuals. The current study assessed the disposition and toxicological effects of 2.5 or 7.