Methylmercury induced biochemical and microsomal changes in the rat liver.

The change in the levels of DNA, RNA, protein, glucose-6-phosphatase, and microsomal enzymes in the rat liver following exposure to methylmercury was studied. The turnover rate of the membranes was also investigated by means of radioactive glycerol. A marked increase in microsomal enzyme levels, with no increase in smooth endoplasmic reticulum, was found one to four hours following administration. A delay in incorporation of radioactive glycerol and more rapid degradation of microsomal membranes were also detected as a result of mercury intoxication. These observations suggest an instability of the microsomal membranes which would be responsible for the early increase in microsomal enzymes upon homogenization. A general inhibition of the microsomal enzymes and proteins was found 1-2 days after mercury administration. The inhibition of glucose-6-phosphatase activity, however, was not noted until day 5. Most of the enzymatic activities returned to normal between days 5 and 8. A reduction of DNA and protein was found in the liver homogenate after 2 hours of intoxication. However, no change in the RNA level was detected.