Effect of selenium on distribution, demethylation, and excretion of methylmercury by the guinea pig

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Abstract
The influence of selenium on methylmercury excretion, organ and subcellular distribution, and demethylation was studied in the guinea pig at different times following a single equimolar dose (50 .mu.M/kg) of .**GRAPHIC**. HgCl and Na2SeO3 administered separately or concomitantly per os. Excretion of Hg through feces was the dominant clearance pathway in both groups. Se significantly decreased excretion of total and organic Hg in feces during the course of the study, but in the urine only on d [day] 13. Se also significantly decreased the concentration of total Hg in major organs. The exception was brain on d 1, in which Hg levels were higher in the presence of Se. On d 7 and 13 both cerebrum and cerebellum showed lower Hg levels as compared to the group treated with methylmercury alone. Se had no significant effect on the subcellular Hg distribution in the liver, kidney and cerebrum, other than that which could be accounted for the whole organ uptake. The level of organic Hg in most of the analyzed organs was significantly decreased by the presence of Se, but relative proportions of inorganic to organic Hg remain unchanged. The single exception was kidney, where selenium markedly decreased the relative amount of inorganic Hg.