A mechanism involved in methylmercury induced TNF-α expression in microglia

Abstract

In this study we examined the mechanism involved in the induction of TNF-α expression by methylmercury in microglia. Exposure of mouse microglia BV-2 to methylmercury resulting in induction of TNF-α expression and activation of ASK1/p38 pathway. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to activate this pathway. Methylmercury induced ROS production in mitochondria, and quenching of this production suppressed activation of p38 and induction of TNF-α expression by methylmercury. These results suggest that methylmercury may induce TNF-α expression by ASK1/p38 pathway via mitochondrial ROS in microglia.