Alterações hepáticas por exposição a baixas doses de metilmercúrio em macacos prego, Cebus apella (Linnaeus 1758)

Abstract

Cebus apella were exposed to 1,5 ppm methylmercury (methylHg) in the diet for 120 days. Hepatotoxicity was investigated, concentrations of mercury in total blood were monitored each 30 days using atomic absorption spectrometry with cold vapor Hg201, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and total bilirubin (BT) were determined. Liver was fixed by formaldehyde 10% and prepared by histopathology protocols. Significant difference was observed in groups exposed and control about total mercury (Hgtotal) in the periods of 60, 90 (P < 0,05) and 120 days (P < 0,01). The histopathology revealed moderate steatosis and hydropic degeneration, common in methylHg exposed in other species. No Significant difference between the levels of AST (p= 0.38), ALT (p= 0.83) and BT (p= 0.07) in groups exposed and control. The Pearson correlation with Hgtotal was negative (AST r= -0,7; ALT r=0,07; BT r= -0,3 e p > 0,05), suggests another studies to clarify the alert levels of mercury concentrations and liver dosages.