, 2009). Interestingly, we observed the ability of Met to afford protection against the deleterious effects of MeHg and/or the MeHg–Cys complex. In fact, Met decreased DFC-RS production and prevented the inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and cell viability induced by exposure

to MeHg and/or Ulixertinib the MeHg–Cys complex. These data show, for the first time, Met’s effectiveness in both reducing the bioavailability of MeHg in hepatocytes, as well as its modulation of mitochondrial function. In terms of molecular mechanisms, it is reasonable to assume that the protective effects of Met are linked to its structural similarities with the MeHg–Cys complex. This idea is in agreement with the existence of a mitochondrial neutral amino acid transport (Raymond et al., 1977), which KU-57788 datasheet is likely responsible for the uptake of MeHg (as MeHg–Cys complex) into mitochondria. Based on our results, it is possible to state that LAT is not only important for the transport of MeHg into the cell, but also for the transport of MeHg within cellular organelles, allowing for the occurrence of mitochondrial toxicity probably due to the direct effects of MeHg in mitochondrial proteins. In summary, the results obtained in this study demonstrate that Met prevents the toxic effects of MeHg and the MeHg–Cys conjugate on mitochondrial function and cell viability. Furthermore, the results suggest the possible use of this

amino acid as a therapeutic agent for treating acute MeHg exposure. Additional studies to determine the efficacy of Met in reducing the gastrointestinal absorption of MeHg as well as its ability to accelerate MeHg excretion in animal models of MeHg exposure are well warranted. The financial support by FINEP Research Grant “Rede Instituto Brasileiro de Neurociência (IBN-Net)” # 01.06.0842-00, FAPERGS/Pronex, CAPES/SAUX, VITAE Foundation, INCT-CNPq-Excitotoxicity and Neuroprotection and CNPq is gratefully acknowledged. J.B.T.R, M.F.

and N.B.V.B are the recipients of CNPq fellowships. Michael Aschner was supported in part by NIEHSES-07331. “
“The prefix “nano” is derived from the Greek word “nanos” meaning “dwarf”. Nanotechnology involves the manipulation and application of engineered particles or systems that have at least one dimension less than 100 nanometers (nm) in length (Hoyt and Mason, Vorinostat order 2008). The term “nanoparticles” applies only to engineered particles (such as metal oxides, carbon nanotubes, fullerenes etc.) and does not apply to particles under 100 nm that occur naturally or are by-products of other processes such as welding fumes, fire smoke, or carbon black (Hoyt and Mason, 2008). Growing exploration of nanotechnology has resulted in the identification of many unique properties of nanomaterials such as enhanced magnetic, catalytic, optical, electrical, and mechanical properties when compared to conventional formulations of the same material (Ferrari, 2005, Qin et al., 1999, Vasir et al.