In vivo formation of natural HgSe nanoparticles in the liver and brain of pilot whales

• DOI: 10.1038/srep34361
• Publication Date: 2016-09-28T09:44:53Z
• Authors: Zuzana Gajdosechova; Mohammed M. Lawan; Dagmar S. Urgast; Andrea Raab; Kirk G. Scheckel; Enzo Lombi; Peter M. Kopittke; Katrin Loeschner; Erik H. Larsen; Glenn Woods; Andrew Brownlow; Fiona L. Read; Jörg Feldmann; Eva M. Krupp
• Keywords: Methylmercury; Detoxification; Mercury

Abstract To understand the biochemistry of methylmercury (MeHg) that leads to formation mercury-selenium (Hg-Se) clusters is a long outstanding challenge promises deepen our knowledge MeHg detoxification and role Se plays in this process. Here, we show mercury selenide (HgSe) nanoparticles liver brain long-finned pilot whales are attached Se-rich structures possibly act as nucleation point for large Se-Hg clusters, which can grow with age over 5 μm size. The mechanism fully developed from early animals, particulate Hg found already juvenile tissues. As consequence detoxification, Se-methionine, selenium pool system depleted efforts maintain essential levels Se-cysteine. This study provides evidence so far unreported depletion bioavailable pool, plausible driving demonstrated neurotoxic effects organism affected by its high dietary intake.