Distribution of Hg 203 -Labeled Mercaptomerin in Organs of Normal Rabbits. ∗

Abstract

Summary

1. Mercaptomerin sodium tagged with Hg²⁰³ was administered to 6 normal rabbits in a dosage providing 1 mg of mercury/kilo weight and its tissue distribution was determined 48 hours later. The total renal content was 2.5% of the administered dose of mercury at a concentration of 5.71 μg/g of tissue (wet weight). The next highest concentration and content were found in the liver (0.69% and 0.26 μg per g respectively). Other organs contained negligible concentrations of mercury. 2. In 6 other rabbits, administration of the same dosage of tagged mercaptomerin sodium on two consecutive days resulted 48 hours later in a renal content of 3.21% of the total amount given, at a mean concentration of 9.87 μg/g. The hepatic concentration and content were 0.48 μg/g and 0.94% respectively. Other tissues showed very little cumulative effect.