[Transformation reactions of special metals in organisms and in the environment. 3. In vivo reactions between mercury II chloride and monomethyltin trichloride in rats].

Following the comments on the metabolism and the toxicity of methylmercury compounds as well as on the interaction with food components and a few environmental chemicals from literature study, the results of the in vivo experiments for examining the reaction between HgCl2 and CH3SnCl3 in the gastrointestinal tract and the subsequent distribution of the formed methylmercury are reported. The reaction between both of the substances proceeding in aqueous solution with immediate formation of methylmercury also leads in the intestinal tract very rapidly to the formation of methylmercury and its distribution into various organs. An increase in the relative weight of liver and kidneys was evident.