Relationship between mercury and selenium in the brain of river otter (Lutra canadensis) and wild mink (Mustela vison) from Nova Scotia, Canada

摘要

We have analyzed the brain concentrations of mercury and selenium in otter and mink in order to assess whether or not selenium could be counteracting mercury neurotoxicity in these animals. Animals were collected from areas of Nova Scotia where mercury concentrations in biota are known to be high. A significant positive relationship was observed between mercury and selenium in otter brain, while no relationship was observed between the two elements in mink brain. Results suggest that otters may be compensating for mercury neurointoxication by increasing their accumulation of selenium in the brain, while this possibly protective mechanism does not appear to exist in mink.