FT-IR SPECTROSCOPY OF METHYLMERCURY-EXPOSED MOUSE LUNG

Infrared spectroscopy which has traditionally been utilized by chemist s and physicists for characterization and identification of the struct ural properties of chemical compounds is now becoming more relevant as a biodiagnostic tool. Recent reports suggest that arthritis and Alzhe imer's disease can be diagnosed by using this technique. Changes assoc iated with these diseases diagnosable with this technique are generall y overt. In this study we have used 'Fourier transform infrared spectr oscopy' (FT-IR) to analyze subtle changes in composition and structure of lipids and proteins in lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage and pur ified lamellar body fraction of mice exposed to methylmercury. Infrare d measurements were made in attenuated total reflection mode using the Split Pea(TM) (Harrick Scientific Corporation, USA). Mice were treate d with 4 doses of methylmercuric chloride (15 mg/kg body weight/dose), and control animals received an equivalent volume of physiological sa line. Comparison of the control and experimental spectra revealed alte rations in the intensities and frequencies of vibrational modes of lip ids following methylmercury exposure. Results indicate that FT-IR spec tral analyses may be a valuable tool for detecting subtle variations i n biological components associated with drug exposure to lungs and, in particular may be very useful for assessing changes in bronchoalveola r lavage.