Mercury distribution studies involving complexes of low-molecular weight thiols and methylmercury

Most methylmercury (CH sub(3)Hg) circulating through the body is found in the red blood cells. This CH sub(3)Hg in human erythrocytes is bound to a low molecular weight substance having an elution profile on gel filtration and a Rf value on thin layer chromatography similar to glutathione. Before entering the general circulation, CH sub(3)Hg, like all substances absorbed by the intestine, must pass via the portal circulation to the liver. In fact, the liver is the first major organ with the opportunity to transform or metabolize absorbed nutrients and toxicants. One of the metabolic roles of low molecular weight thiol compounds may be the formation of thiol-methylmercury complexes which can be preferentially translocated across cell membranes. The authors discuss the distribution of mercury involving complexes of low-molecular weight thiols and methylmercury.