Methyl Mercuric Compounds in Rat Bile

Methyl mercuric glutathione is the predominant methyl mercuric compound in rat bile following exposure to methyl mercuric chloride. Methyl mercuric chloride also forms methyl mercuric glutathione when added to rat bile in vitro . A small amount of methyl mercuric cysteine is always found in the bile of exposed animals. This amount increases on storage of the bile, and may include most of the metal present. Exchange of the methyl mercuric ion takes place between cysteine and glutathione. Methyl mercuric glutathione releases methyl mercuric cysteine on storage, probably by autolysis, but an action of enzymes cannot be ruled out. Final conclusions cannot be drawn as to which methyl mercuric compound is actually transported from the liver cell to the bile.