Effect of mercuric chloride intoxication on the distribution of radioactive selenium in rats

The effect of graded doses of mercury (1, 6 or 12 mg HgCl₂ kg b. w.) on tissue distribution of a single dose of Se-75 (Na₂⁷⁵SeO₃) were examined in normal Wistar rats. Additionally, Se-75 distribution in rats poisoned with the highest dose of mercury was compared with those after treatment with 2, 3-dimercaptopropanol (BAL). The distribution of trace Se-75 among the various tissues was affected by mercury in dose-related manner. Se-75 retention in rats treated with 1 mg HgCl₂/kg b.w. was reduced, however the decrease was transient and at days 8 and 14 Se-75 concentration was similar to that in the controls. Se-75 retention in rats treated with 6 or 12 mg HgCl₂/kg b.w. remained low and was statistically significantly influenced by the metal. Injection of BAL decreased Se-75 concentration at h 3, 6 and 24 in the kidneys, liver, blood and increased in the stomach, and small intestine. At d 14, except for the kidneys, BAL increased slightly Se-75 concentration in all the examined tissues. The possible relation between mercury intoxication and induced disturbances of Se-75 distribution was discussed.