The metal contamination in amphibians has been taken into account as one of the factors contributing to the population decline of these animals. The mercury (Hg) is an environmental contaminant showing high levels of toxicity. Its organic form, methylmercury (MeHg), may bioaccumulative reaching high levels in the trophic chain. For amphibian populations, bioaccumulation of metals is important once that such animals may be MeHg diffusers from the aquatic environment to the terrestrial environment because of their double life cycle. MeHg concentrations in high doses can cause obvious lethargic effects and larvae mortality of amphibious, however little is known about subchronic effects of MeHg doses. Therefore, the present research aims to explore the effects of subchronic exposure to MeHg in one experimental model, the species Physalaemus ephippifer, describing, identifying and characterizing the possible changes in physical performance of larvae and newly metamorphosed, in addition to teratogenic and morphological changes in the sensory and nervous system. After the toxicological test, with MeHg concentrations of 0.007 μg/ml, 0.004 μg/ml 0.0007 μg/ml and 0.0004 μg / ml and negative control, the animals were assessed by behavioral analysis simulating breakout predatory, morphometric and analysis in light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Our results revealed that MeHg concentrations did not induce locomotor weaknesses in tadpoles and nor apparent anatomical morphological damage, however, it induces the appearance of a massive cell count of pyknotic nuclei in the areas of the cerebellum and optic tectum. Such alteration, which remains in the animal even after metamorphosis, induces a locomotor weakness in concentration of 0,007μg/ml which is also the concentration where one increased teratogenic damage effect (corneal malformation) is observed. Therefore, we conclude that MeHg is a neurotoxic and teratogenic agent for P. ephippifer and that such features lead to one decrease in locomotor performance. The present work may contribute to the knowledge on effect of MeHg in amphibian populations that live in environments where this contaminant is present as member of the ecosystem.
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