Postnatal behavioral effects in mice after prenatal exposure to methylmercury.

CFW mice were injected with methylmercury hydroxide (1, 2, 3, 5 or 10 mg/kg as mercury) on Day 8 of gestation. Mice treated with 3, 5 or 10 mg/kg averaged 1/3 fewer pups than controls. Pups from these treated animals weighed less than controls and the weight differences persisted through weaning but were no longer significant at 56 days of age. Mice exposed to methylmercury in utero showed significant differences from controls in their behavior in a 2-way active avoidance shuttle box and in a punishment situation but not when tested in an open field, a water escape runaway or a conditioned suppression paradigm. Neither the mothers nor progeny of the mice exposed prenatally to methylmercury showed bahavioral deficits.