A Biochemical Study of the Urinary Protein of Men Exposed to Metallic Mercury

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Abstract
Proteinuria is not usually reported in chronic mercury poisoning. The urine of three men exposed to metallic mercury vapour was found to contain protein. In two, the proteinuria disappeared on removal from exposure. The urinary protein in two cases was investigated and found to be indistinguishable from serum protein by the criteria used. The bound carbohydrate values were similar to those found in nephritic urinary protein. One man was diagnosed clinically as a chronic nephritic over a year after removal from exposure. It would be premature to connect this condition with the preceding exposure to mercury.