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Mercury toxicokinetics in Wistar rats exposed to elemental mercury vapour: modeling and computer simulation

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Abstract

The kinetics of total mercury (Hg) absorption, distribution and elimination in Wistar rats exposed for long periods to elemental mercury vapour (Hg°) in the Idrija mercury mine were studied. From the experimental data base a compartmental model was built as a framework for experimental data interpretation and prediction of organ mercury levels under different conditions. Using the model the exposures of rats under conditions comparable to those of professionally exposed workers (mercury miners, workers in the chloralkali industry) and individuals with amalgam fillings were simulated.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. “Jožef Stefan” Institute, University of Ljubljana, Jamova 39, 61111, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    I. Falnoga, P. Stegnar, M. Škreblin & M. Tušek-Žnidarič

  2. Faculty of Natural Sciences and Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva 7, 61111, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    A. Mrhar

  3. Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, 61111, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    R. Karba

Authors
  1. I. Falnoga
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  2. A. Mrhar
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  3. R. Karba
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  4. P. Stegnar
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  5. M. Škreblin
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  6. M. Tušek-Žnidarič
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Dedicated to the late Mr. Emil Nanut, who cared for the animals and performed the air mercury analyses

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Falnoga, I., Mrhar, A., Karba, R. et al. Mercury toxicokinetics in Wistar rats exposed to elemental mercury vapour: modeling and computer simulation. Arch Toxicol 68, 406–415 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/s002040050090

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s002040050090

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