Guillain-Barré Syndrome After Exposure to Mercury

Mercury as a cause of membranous nephropathy and Guillain–Barre syndrome: case report and literature review

“…After absorption, lipid-soluble mercury can enter the central nervous system through the endothelial cells of the blood–brain barrier. 5 It can damage the peripheral nerve myelin or axons, 6 which is seldom reported. Binding of mercury to glutathione induces an increase in reactive oxygen species in a variety of cell types including neurons, glia, T cells, B cells, and monocytes.…”

“…The additional direct immune effect of mercury can trigger production of anticardiolipin-antibodies, antineutrophilic cytoplasmatic antibodies, C3 complement, immune complexes, and antinucleolar antibodies, which may result in autoimmune disease. 6 In a case of peripheral neuropathy caused by exposure to elemental mercury, 11 treatment of neuropathy with chelation therapy, glucocorticoids, and immunoglobulin was unsuccessful, but complete resolution of symptoms was achieved with rituximab. The improved response to immunotherapy indicated the role of mercury in the etiopathogenesis of neuropathy.…”