Reduced decomposition and faecal excretion of methyl mercury in caecum-resected mice

Abstract

Decomposition and faecal excretion of methyl mercury in caecum-resected mice was investigated in order to elucidate the role of the caecum in metabolizing methyl mercury. During a four-day period after methyl mercury administration, the caecum-resected mice excreted less inorganic mercury in the faeces than did sham-operated control mice (3.4% and 11.5% of the administered dose, respectively). Furthermore, the amount of total mercury excreted in the faeces was also smaller in the caecum-resected mice than in the control mice (9.3% and 19.3%, respectively). These data indicate that the caecum is important in the decomposition and faecal excretion of methyl mercury in mice.