Mercury toxicokinetics of the healthy human term placenta involve amino acid transporters and ABC transporters

Zinc protection in fetal rats for maternal mercury exposure‐induced growth retardation is probably associated with S100B expression

“…After binding with Ca 2 + , S100B participates in p53‐dependent growth inhibition and apoptosis, thus contributing to placental cell apoptosis . In the present study, we found that 2.0 mg/kg.d MMC resulted in increased S100B expression and reduced placenta weight, suggesting that S100B may be involved in the apoptosis of trophoblast cells …”

Placental control of drug delivery

“…Interestingly, expression of MRP1 in immortalized placental trophoblast cells was shown to be modulated by interleukin-1β and estrone [92]. It was shown that MRP1 is also partially responsible for the transport of methyl mercury to the fetal circulation, which explains the higher levels of methyl mercury in umbilical cord blood in comparison to maternal blood [93]. The position of MRP1 in the syncytiotrophoblast suggests that MRP1 may not function as a component of the placental barrier, but may rather be involved in other physiological and developmental functions not yet fully understood [92,94].…”

Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors and Toxic Metals on The Fetal Epigenome

“…In the following section, we summarize studies detailing the relationship between prenatal exposure to four toxic metals -As, Cd, Pb and Hg -and the fetal epigenome. Notably, all of the toxic metals discussed are known to cross the placental barrier, to some extent [19][20][21]. This suggests that the placenta serves as an incomplete barrier, resulting in direct fetal exposure to these compounds.…”

“…Within the US, approximately 15% of childbearing-age women have elevated blood Hg levels of concern, suggesting that over 600,000 children may be born with increased risks of such neurological outcomes [66]. Importantly, Hg bioaccumulates within the fetus, suggesting an active transport mechanism across the placenta, although the mechanisms for such transport are unknown [21]. No studies were identified that examined the relationship between prenatal exposures to Hg and global DNA methylation.…”