This chapter addresses well-known episodes of methylmercury (MeHg) poisoning, highlighting differences between the epidemics in Minamata Bay, Japan, and Iraq. Special attention is directed to the cognitive effects of MeHg in neonates and children, and the underlying changes in cytoarchitecture. Finally, we discuss the biomolecular basis of neurotoxicity in fetal Minamata disease emphasizing neural cell adhesion molecule and changes in neuronal cytoskeletal proteins. Cell polarization and migration patterns require dynamic rearrangement of the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons via intracellular signaling pathways involving Rho family GTPases. The Rho-associated protein kinases are central regulators of the actin cytoskeleton downstream of the small GTPase Rho and their role is discussed within the context of MeHg-induced injury.
Date:
2018-01-30
Relation:
Handbook of Developmental Neurotoxicology. 2018 Jan 30:399-406.
