Kidney concentrations and urinary excretion of mercury, zinc and copper following the administration of mercuric chloride and sodium selenite to rats

Abstract
The effect of single (SC) administration of mercuric chloride (1 mg Hg/kg) alone or jointly with (PO) sodium selenite (0.39 mg Se/kg) on kidney disposition of mercury (Hg) and metallothionein (MT) and urinary excretion of Hg, zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) has been studied in the female rat. The excretion of Hg and essential metals was determined every day following exposure. Daily excretion of endogenous Cu and Zn the Hg-exposed group was about threefold and fourfold, respectively, in comparison with control groups of rats. Sodium selenite prevented the urinary excretion of endogenous Cu and partly of Zn.