Mercury toxicity in beluga whale lymphocytes: Limited effects of selenium protection

► Both inorganic and methylmercury impaired lymphocyte proliferation. ► Organic Hg was more toxic to lymphocytes than inorganic Hg. ► Selenium provided a partial protection against Hg toxicity. ► Metallothionein levels increased with exposure to organic Hg. ► These Hg-related effects occur at concentrations currently observed in free-ranging beluga whales in the Arctic. Increasing emissions of anthropogenic mercury represents a growing concern to the health of high trophic level marine mammals. In its organic form, this metal bioaccumulates, and can be toxic to several physiological endpoints, including the immune system. In this study, we (1) evaluated the effects of inorganic mercury (mercuric chloride, HgCl2) and organic mercury (methylmercuric chloride, MeHgCl) on the in vitro function of lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas); (2) characterized the potential protective effects of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) on cell proliferation of HgCl2 or MeHgCl-treated beluga whale lymphocytes; and (3) compared these dose-dependent effects to measurements of blood Hg in samples collected from traditionally harvested beluga whales in the western Canadian Arctic. Lymphocyte proliferative responses were reduced following exposure to 1μM of HgCl2 and 0.33μM of MeHgCl. Decreased intracellular thiol levels were observed at 10μM of HgCl2 and 0.33μM of MeHgCl. Metallothionein induction was noted at 0.33μM of MeHgCl. Concurrent exposure of Se provided a degree of protection against the highest concentrations of inorganic Hg (3.33 and 10μM) or organic Hg (10μM) for T-lymphocytes. This in vitro protection of Se against Hg toxicity to lymphocytes may contribute to the in vivo protection in beluga whales exposed to high Hg concentrations. Current Hg levels in free-ranging beluga whales from the Arctic fall into the range of exposures which elicited effects on lymphocytes in our study, highlighting the potential for effects on host resistance to disease. The implications of a changing Arctic climate on Hg fate in beluga food webs and the consequences for the health of beluga whales remain pressing research needs.