Storage of Hg in the ileum of Blatella germanica: biochemical characterization of metallothionein.

Abstract 1. Cockroach ileum has a high capability to concentrate mercury compared with other tissues. 2. Part of the mercury contained in the soluble phase of this organ is bound to metallothionein. 3. It is suggested that mercury of the insoluble phase is stored in lysosomes under a polymerized metallothionein form.