A B S T R A C T

Introduction: Because of more exposure to mercury compounds, the prenatal and postnatal neurotoxic effects of mercury compounds have gained more attention in last decade. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mercuric chloride intoxication on spinal cord development during prenatal period.

 Methods: 36 adult Sprague-dawley rats after observing vaginal mating plaque (zero day of gestation) were divided into six groups: three control groups that received normal saline solution and three experimental groups that injected with mercuric chloride, 2mg/kg/IP, in 8th, 9th and 10th days of gestation. Then, embryos were removed from uterus in 15th day and spinal cord of embryos was studied by histological techniques.

 Results: Microscopic study of spinal cord showed that cell death, mitosis division, and extracellular spaces were increased and cells accumulation were decreased in experimental groups. Diameter of ventricular zone was increased and diameter of mantle and marginal zones were decreased.

 Discussion: The present study showed that mercuric chloride intoxication in prenatal period can induce cell death and results in neural tube deficits in prenatal rats.