The effects of methylmercury on growth hormone and its relation to liver function, weight and growth were evaluated in an experimental model of acute and subchronic exposure with mercury. Forty wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, acute, subchronic2 (SB2) and subchronic3 (SB3). Measurements of total mercury (HgT), growth hormone (GH), glucose, ALT and AST enzyme activities, body weight and length of animals were measured in all groups. The results demonstrated that the dose of 25mg/kg was lethal for all animals in this group. The concentrations of mercury measured in the hair’sfrom the SB2 and SB3 groups were significantly higher than in the control group. GH levels were elevated in the acute group and reduced in the subchronic groups. The reduction of glycemia in the subchronic groups was highly significant in relation to the control group (p <0.01). The ALT and AST enzyme activities were altered. These results suggest that methylmercury high doses administered is hepatotoxic, able of to compromise glycemic control and to promote significant alterations in GH levels, which may interfere in the growth of the animals. However, other studies are required to understand the alterations found.
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