HgCl2-Induced Autoimmunity in Rats

HgCl2 given intravenously, orally, or intratracheally induces the disease in a similar way (Bernaudin et al. 1981). Exposure to mercury vapor also induces the autoimmune disease in BN rats (Hua et al. 1993). Methyl-mercury or pharmaceutical ointments and solutions containing organic mercury are effective even when these products are applied on wounds or even on normal skin (Druet et al. 1981). 

In the susceptible strain, the effects of HgCl2 depend upon dosage (P. Druet et al. 1978, unpublished observations). Thus, the increase in serum IgE concentration is positively correlated to the dosage and this parameter is less well regulated for low doses. Serum IgE concentration of rats injected with low doses (5 or lO/zg/lOOg body wt. three times a week) exhibit kinetics with multiple waves. 

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