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Blood-brain barrier dysfunction in experimental mercury intoxication

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Summary

Methylmercuric chloride (CH3HgCl) or mercuric bichloride (HgCl2) were administered to the rats at a dosage of 1.0 mg/kg body weight. Toluidine blue-albumin was injected into these animals at various periods after the intoxication. Leakage of the dye into the nervous parenchyma was observed as early as 12 h after the intoxication indicating an impairment and dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier. This dysfunction is believed to be due to an impairment of the endothelial and glial membranes by the mercury.

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Chang, L.W., Hartmann, H.A. Blood-brain barrier dysfunction in experimental mercury intoxication. Acta Neuropathol 21, 179–184 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00688496

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