Methylmercury induces the expression of metal transporter ZIP8 by activating the EGFR-p38 MAPK-PKA pathway

Abstract

Vascular toxicity is important for understanding organ toxicity. Vascular endothelial cells, which cover the luminal surface of blood vessels, can be a target of the toxicity of chemical agents. In the present study, we investigated the effects of methylmercury on the expression of metal transporter ZIP8 in cultured vascular endothelial cells. It was found that methylmercury induces endothelial ZIP8 by activating the EGFR-p38 MAPK-PKA pathway. Since cadmium enters endothelial cells via ZIP8, methylmercury may intensify cadmium toxicity to the cells.