Accumulation of mercury and its effect on antioxidant enzymes in brain, liver, and kidneys of mice

The effect of mercuric chloride (HgCl2) on the activities of catalase, supe roxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and its effect on glutathione (GSH) content were evaluated in differe nt organs (liver, kidneys, and brain) of mice after administration at 0, 0. 25, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg/day for 14 days. The uptake of mercury shows that the kidneys accumulated the highest levels of mercury compare to brain and liv er. The enzyme levels varied in mercury treated organs compare to control. A dose dependent increase of antioxidant enzymes occurred in the liver and kidneys. The increase in enzyme activities correlated with highest mercury accumulation in the kidneys and liver. Mercury is known to generate reactiv e oxygen species (ROS) in vivo and in vitro, therefore, it is likely that e nzyme activities increased to scavenge ROS levels produced as a result of m ercury accumulation. Glutathione content increased in liver and kidneys of mercury treated mice compare to control. The results showed that the highes t oral dose of mercury significantly increased antioxidant enzymes in kidne ys and liver. The increased antioxidant enzymes enhance the antioxidant pot ential of the organs to reduce oxidative stress.