Methylmercury induces oxidative stress and subsequent neural hyperactivity leading to cell death through the p38 MAPK-CREB pathway in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells.

•We established an in vitro model of excitable cerebrocortical neurons.•MeHg induced oxidative stress and neuronal hyperactivity leading to cell death.•p38 MAPK-CREB pathway was involved in the MeHg neurotoxicity.