RSS-producing enzyme CSE suppresses methylmercury-induced brain mercury accumulation and deleterious effects in mice

Abstract

The cerebellum of CSE-knockout mice was more susceptible to methylmercury (MeHg) than that of wild type mice. These CSE-deficient mice exhibited a higher level of mercury accumulation in the brain. Co-treatment with Na₂S₄, an RSS able to capture MeHg, leading to the formation of its sulfur adduct (MeHg)₂S, blocked the increased accumulation of mercury, motor dysfunction caused by CSE deficiency. Our findings suggest that capturing MeHg by RSS in association with its sulfur adduct formation is involved in the repression of the brain distribution and deleterious effects of MeHg.