The effect of prenatal methylmercury exposure on the GSH level and lipid peroxidation in the fetal brain and placenta of mice

Effect of prenatal exposure to methylmercury (MeHg) on the glutathione (G-S H) levels and lipid peroxidation in the fetal brain was examined. Pregnant ICR mice mere injected with 3 mgHg/kg of:MeHg on gestational day 12, 13 and 14 (G12-14). On the G14 or G17, the fetal brains were removed and their GS H levels and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) levels were de termined. On the G17, GSH level of MeHg-treated fetal brain was significant ly higher than that of the control brain; the TEARS level showed the simila r trend but the difference was not significant. These results indicated tha t the prenatal MeHg treatment disturbed the normal GSH level in the fetal b rain and warranted further investigation on the significance of this GSH pe rturbation.