VPT 421: Veterinary Toxicology (2+0)

ABSORPTION AND FATE

• Elemental mercury may become volatile and the mercury vapour, which is lipid soluble, can be absorbed by inhalation.
• Ingested elemental mercury and inorganic mercury salts are absorbed very slowly from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Organic mercurials are highly lipid soluble and are absorbed well from the gastrointestinal tract.
• Inorganic mercury salts are transported in erythrocytes and plasma.
• They accumulate in the renal cortex and localize in the lysosomes.
• Mercury easily crosses the blood brain barrier.
• Alkyl organic mercury compound accumulates in the brain.
• All forms of mercury can pass through the placental barrier and affect the foetus.
• Mercury in elemental form is oxidized to divalent mercury by catalases in tissues.
• Aryl mercurials are rapidly metabolized to inorganic salts. Alkyl mercurials are slowly metabolized to divalent mercury.
• Inorganic mercury is excreted mainly in urine, while organic mercury is excreted in faeces.