Immunology of Mercury

Authors: Vas, Jaya; Monestier, Marc

Source: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, Volume 1143, Number 1, November 2008 , pp. 240-267(28)

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Abstract:

The heavy metal mercury is ubiquitously distributed in the environment resulting in permanent low-level exposure in human populations. Mercury can be encountered in three main chemical forms (elemental, inorganic, and organic) which can affect the immune system in different ways. In this review, we describe the effects of these various forms of mercury exposure on immune cells in humans and animals. In genetically susceptible mice or rats, subtoxic doses of mercury induce the production of highly specific autoantibodies as well as a generalized activation of the immune system. We review studies performed in this model and discuss their implications for the role of environmental chemicals in human autoimmunity.

Keywords: heavy metals; mercury; autoimmunity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1196/annals.1443.022

Affiliations: 1: Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Publication date: 2008-11-01