EFFECT OF MERCURIC-CHLORIDE ON THYROID-FUNCTION IN THE RAT

Oral administration of 3 mg of mercuric chloride for 6 consecutive days increases thyroid function as noted by an increase in thyroid 131I release rate. Administration of 2.5 mg of mercuric chloride daily for 40 days enhanced thyroid weight, thyroidal 125I uptake, and serum PB125I. Chromatographic analysis of thyroid pronase hydrolysates of mercury-treated rats displayed a pattern of distribution in thyroid labeling which demonstrated an increased percentage of labeled monoiodotyrosine (MIT), no alteration in percentage of labeled diiodotyrosine (DIT) or T4, but a significant reduction in percentage of labeled T3 indicating perhaps a coupling defect in synthesis of T3 exerted by mercury. Administration of mercuric chloride at 100 ppm for 3 months results in a decrease in thyroidal 131I uptake and depression in the thyroidal 131I release rate which were permanent and irreversible. These findings indicate that the influence of mercuric chloride ingestion on thyroid function probably reflects the quantity of mercuric chloride administered and the length of time during which exposure to mercury persists. © 1979 Academic Press, Inc. All rights reserved.