Adverse Effects of Mercury Exposure in DDW Strain Mice during Organogenesis

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) was known as a teratogenic which is distributed in tissue. This study aims to determine the
retention and embryotoxicity of Hg-exposed pregnant mice. Thirty female mice was treated with HgCl2
(mercuric chloride). HgCl2 (5 and 6 kg/mg BW) was inducted in pregnant mice at 9 and 11 gestational days.
Hg levels were measured in hair, uterus, liver, kidney, brain, blood, placenta, visceral fetus, and fetus brain on
the 18th day of gestation using the atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) method. Embryotoxicity test
on the fetus was carried out after the surgery took place. Scales and calipers are used to calculate fetal weight
and crown rump length. Statistical tests were analyzed using the SPSS 21 program. The results showed that
the liver, kidney, brain, visceral fetal, and fetal brain were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the treatment
group at pregnant mice. Hg also produced a significant difference (P < 0.05) on the decrease in live fetuses,
fetuses, body weight, and crown rump length and an increase in resorbed fetuses. Hg accumulation in the
body apparently can cause adverse effects in pregnant mice.