Strain Differences in Mercury Retention by Chicks.∗

Summary Studies made with 3 strains of chicks showed one strain to be significantly different in retention of mercury in liver and kidneys, following intramuscular injections of phenylmercury acetate or mercuric chloride. Differences following injection of equivalent amounts of mercury as ethylmercury chloride or Salyrgan were much less. Mercury retention was greater in the strain selected for resistance to lymphomatosis than in the 2 susceptible strains which showed little difference.