Ca2+ entry pathways in mouse spinal motor neurons in culture following in vitro exposure to methylmercury

► We report effects of low concentrations of methylmercury on spinal motorneuron cultures. ► Methylmercury increases intracellular calcium in these cells at low concentrations. ► Release of intracellular zinc accompanies this. ► Glutamate receptors and voltage-gated calcium channels provide pathways for methylmercury-induced calcium increase. ► Voltage gated sodium channels are not a path involved in this effect.