Effects of methylmercury on reproduction and offspring development and potential benefits of supplemental selenium and vitamin E intake in rats

Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental contaminant mainly present in fish and seafood. The long-term consumption of these fish and seafoods could pose a health risk to pregnant women and their children. Animal studies were conducted to assess the effects of MeHg exposure on reproduction and offspring development as well as the potential benefits of nutrient supplementation. Adult female rats were treated by gavage with MeHg at dose levels of 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks prior to mating and throughout pregnancy, and then were allowed to deliver. In a second study, adult female rats were treated with MeHg at 1.25 mg/kg/day for the same duration, and they were fed diets containing an extra 1 ppm selenium (Se), or 225 IU/kg vitamin E, or both of these two nutrients, 4 weeks prior to MeHg dosing, and then throughout McHg treatment. (Abstract shortened by UMI.