Behavioral teratology of methylmercury

Abstract

Behavioral effects of experimental perinatal methylmercury exposure are reviewed. Studies were summarized by classification based on examined behaviors and functions as follows; Development of reflexive behaviors, Swimming ability, Spontaneous activity, Open-field behavior, Maze learning, Avoidance learning, Operant learning, Susceptibility to induced convulsion and seizure, Ultrasonic vocalization, Visual function. Findings suggest that perinatal methylmercury exposure caused changes in a wide spectrum of behaviors in offspring. It is suggested that further researches on neuro-behavioral teratogenicity of methylmercury will be awaited, especially in the area investigating interaction of the other environmental factors.