Abstract
A rapid and simple method for preparation of 203Hg-labeled methylmercuric chloride (CH3203HgCl) from 203HgCl2 and methylcobalamin is described. More than 99% of 203Hg was methylated with methylcobalaminin 0.01N HCl during 1h. CH3203HgCl formed during the reaction was repidly and completely separated from cobalamins and unreacted 203HgCl2 by CM-Sephadex C-25 minicolumn. The low cost procedure for preparation of CH3203HgCl can be completed within 2h and yields an inorganic 203Hg-free CH3203HgCl which is useful in methylmercury toxicology.
