Effects of methylmercuric chloride and bis (methylmercuric) selenide on responses of isolated intestinal smooth muscle of the guinea-pig

Abstract

The neurologically toxic substance, methylmercury, is detoxified by simultaneous application of selenite. In vivo formation of bis (methylmercuric) selenide has been suggested as the mechanism of detoxication by selenite. By using isolated guinea-pig taenia coli preparations, the effects of methylmercuric chloride and bis (methylmercuric) selenide on contractile responses to nerve and direct stimulation were investigated. Application of either drugs scarcely affected contractile responses to direct stimulation. However, contractile responses to nerve stimulation were severely reduced by methylmercuric chloride. The effect of bis (methylmercuric) selenide was considerably weaker than methylmercuric chloride. The site blocked by methylmercuric chloride and bis (methylmercuric) selenide in the taenia preparation was discussed.