Biochemical parameters of pregnant rats and their offspring exposed to different doses of inorganic mercury in drinking water

► Evaluation of liver, kidney and placenta porphobilinogen-synthase activity as a Hg marker exposure in pregnant and fetuses. ► Renal parameters were evaluated in pregnant rats exposed to different doses of HgCl2 in drinking water. ► HgCl2 exhibited an increase on hepatic porphobilinogen-synthase from fetuses. ► Pregnant rats presented an increase in relative renal weight but none alterations in serum urea and creatinine levels. ► Pregnant rats demonstrated a decrease in body weight and in total food intake.