A review of the toxicology of oil in vertebrates: what we have learned following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

In the wake of the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill, a number of government agencies, academic institutions, consultants, and nonprofit organizations conducted lab- and field-based research to understand the toxic effects of the oil. Lab testing was performed with a variety of fish, birds, turtles, and vertebrate cell lines (as well as invertebrates); field biologists conducted observations on fish, birds, turtles, and marine mammals; and epidemiologists carried out observational studies in humans. Eight years after the spill, scientists and resource managers held a workshop to summarize the similarities and differences in the effects of DWH oil on vertebrate taxa and to identify remaining gaps in our understanding of oil toxicity in wildlife and humans, building upon the cross-taxonomic synthesis initiated during the Natural Resource Damage Assessment. Across the studies, consistency was found in the types of toxic response observed in the different organisms. Impairment of stress responses and adrenal gland function, cardiotoxicity, immune system dysfunction, disruption of blood cells and their function, effects on locomotion, and oxidative damage were observed across taxa. This consistency suggests conservation in the mechanisms of action and disease pathogenesis. From a toxicological perspective, a logical progression of impacts was noted: from molecular and cellular effects that manifest as organ dysfunction, to systemic effects that compromise fitness, growth, reproductive potential, and survival. From a clinical perspective, adverse health effects from DWH oil spill exposure formed a suite of signs/symptomatic responses that at the highest doses/concentrations resulted in multi-organ system failure.

Reprint of: Assay Validation of the Cardiac Isoform of Troponin I in Double Crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) Plasma for Diagnosis of Cardiac Damage.

Cardiac abnormalities, initially found in Deepwater Horizon weathered MC252 crude oil exposed Double Crested Cormorants (DCCOs) upon gross necropsy, were further investigated using echocardiography. Clinical and statistically significant changes including decreased ventricular myocardial contractility and arrhythmia were elucidated by echocardiography and interpreted by boarded cardiologists as potentially life threatening. The objective of this investigation was to initiate development of an antemortem, sensitive blood screening test for cardiac damage due to oil exposure of avian species. An assay for the cardiac isoform of troponin I (cTnI) which is known to be highly cross-reactive across mammalian species was chosen and analytically validated in DCCO. This is the first time this test has been analytically validated in avian species. All plasma samples from birds assessed as healthy had trace concentrations (<0.016ng/ml). The assays was precise and accurate revealing a coefficient of variation <3% and an R2>0.99. Diagnostic investigation revealed that the test appears to have diagnostic potential for the diagnosis of cardiomyocyte damage. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 91% and 73% in this laboratory population. Due to an equivocal sample population in which health could not be proven, further investigation is needed to diagnostically validate troponin I in the assessment of oil exposure in DCCO.

Assay validation of the cardiac isoform of troponin I in double crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) plasma for diagnosis of cardiac damage.

Cardiac abnormalities, initially found in Deepwater Horizon weathered MC252 crude oil exposed Double Crested Cormorants (DCCOs) upon gross necropsy, were further investigated using echocardiography. Clinical and statistically significant changes including decreased ventricular myocardial contractility and arrhythmia were elucidated by echocardiography and interpreted by boarded cardiologists as potentially life threatening. The objective of this investigation was to initiate development of an antemortem, sensitive blood screening test for cardiac damage due to oil exposure of avian species. An assay for the cardiac isoform of troponin I (cTnI) which is known to be highly cross-reactive across mammalian species was chosen and analytically validated in DCCO. This is the first time this test has been analytically validated in avian species. All plasma samples from birds assessed as healthy had trace concentrations (<0.016ng/ml). The assays was precise and accurate revealing a coefficient of variation <3% and an R2>0.99. Diagnostic investigation revealed that the test appears to have diagnostic potential for the diagnosis of cardiomyocyte damage. Diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 91% and 73% in this laboratory population. Due to an equivocal sample population in which health could not be proven, further investigation is needed to diagnostically validate troponin I in the assessment of oil exposure in DCCO.

Effect of oral exposure to artificially weathered Deepwater Horizon crude oil on blood chemistries, hepatic antioxidant enzyme activities, organ weights and histopathology in western sandpipers (Calidris mauri).

Shorebirds were among birds exposed to Mississippi Canyon 252 (MC252) crude oil during the 2010 Deep Water Horizon (DWH) oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The western sandpiper (Calidris mauri) was chosen as one of four species for initial oral dosing studies conducted under Phase 2 of the avian toxicity studies for the DWH Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA). Thirty western sandpipers were assigned to one of three treatment groups, 10 birds per group. The control group was sham gavaged and the treatment groups were gavaged with 1 or 5mL oil kg bw-1 daily for 20 days. Periodic blood samples for hemoglobin measurements were collected during the trial. A final blood sample used to determine hemoglobin concentration in addition to complete blood counts, plasma clinical chemistries, haptoglobin concentration and plasma electrophoresis was collected when birds were euthanized and necropsied on day 21. Tissues were removed, weighed and processed for subsequent histopathological evaluation. There were numerical decreases in hemoglobin concentrations in oil-dosed birds over the 21-day trial, but values were not significantly different compared to controls on day 21. There were no significant differences between controls and oiled birds in complete blood counts, plasma chemistries, haptoglobin concentration, and plasma electrophoresis endpoints. Of the hepatic oxidative stress endpoints assessed, the total antioxidant capacity assessment (Trolox equivalents) for the control group was lower compared to the 1mL oil kg bw-1 group. Absolute liver weights in the 5mL oil kg bw-1 group were significantly greater compared to controls. While not conclusive, the numerical decrease in hemoglobin concentration and significant increase in absolute liver weight are consistent with exposure to oil. Histological changes in the adrenal gland could be considered a non-specific indicator of stress resulting from exposure to oil. It is possible that the quantity of oil absorbed was not sufficient to induce clearly evident hemolytic anemia or that the western sandpiper is relatively insensitive to ingested oil.

Weathered MC252 crude oil-induced anemia and abnormal erythroid morphology in double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) with light microscopic and ultrastructural description of Heinz bodies.

Injury assessment of birds following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in 2010 was part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment. One reported effect was hemolytic anemia with the presence of Heinz bodies (HB) in birds, however, the role of route and magnitude of exposure to oil is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to determine if double-crested cormorants (Phalacocorax auritis; DCCO) exposed orally and dermally to artificially weathered crude oil would develop hemolytic anemia including HB and reticulocytosis. In the oral experiment, sub-adult, mixed-sex DCCOs were fed control (n = 8) or oil-injected fish with a daily target dose of 5 (n = 9) or 10 (n = 9) ml oil/kg for 21 days. Then, subadult control (n = 12) and treated (n = 13) cormorant groups of similar sex-ratio were dermally treated with approximately 13ml of water or weathered MC252 crude oil, respectively, every 3 days for 6 dosages approximating 20% surface coverage. Collected whole blood samples were analyzed by light (new methylene blue) and transmission electron microscopy. Both oral and dermal treatment with weathered DWH MC252 crude oil induced regenerative, but inadequately compensated, anemia due to hemolysis and hematochezia as indicated by decreased packed cell volume, relative increase in reticulocytes with lack of difference in corrected reticulocyte count, and morphologic evidence of oxidant damage at the ultrastructural level. Hemoglobin precipitation, HB formation, degenerate organelles, and systemic oxidant damage were documented. Heinz bodies were typically <2µm in length and smaller than in mammals. These oblong cytoplasmic inclusions were difficult to see upon routine blood smear evaluation and lacked the classic button appearance found in mammalian red blood cells. They could be found as light, homogeneous blue inclusions upon new methylene blue staining. Ultrastructurally, HB appeared as homogeneous, electron-dense structures within the cytosol and lacked membranous structure. Oxidant damage in avian red blood cells results in degenerate organelles and precipitated hemoglobin or HB with different morphology than that found in mammalian red blood cells. Ultrastructural evaluation is needed to definitively identify HB and damaged organelles to confirm oxidant damage. The best field technique based on the data in this study is assessment of PCV with storage of blood in glutaraldehyde for possible TEM analysis.

Organ weights and histopathology of double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) dosed orally or dermally with artificially weathered Mississippi Canyon 252 crude oil.

A series of toxicity tests were conducted to assess the effects of low to moderate exposure to artificially weathered Deepwater Horizon Mississippi Canyon 252 crude oil on representative avian species as part of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment. The present report summarizes effects of oral exposure (n=26) of double-crested cormorants (DCCO; Phalacrocorax auritus) to 5 or 10ml oil kg-1 day-1 for up to 21 days or dermal application (n=25) of 13ml oil to breast and back feathers every three days totaling 6 applications in 21 days on organ weights and histopathology. Absolute and relative kidney and liver weights were increased in birds exposed to oil. Additionally, gross and/or histopathologic lesions occurred in the kidney, heart, pancreas and thyroid. Clinically significant renal lesions in the orally dosed birds included squamous metaplasia and increased epithelial hypertrophy of the collecting ducts and renal tubules and mineralization in comparison to controls. Gross cardiac lesions including thin walls and flaccid musculature were documented in both orally and dermally dosed birds and myocardial fibrosis was found in low numbers of dermally dosed birds only. Cytoplasmic vacuolation of the exocrine pancreas was noted in orally dosed birds only. Thyroid follicular hyperplasia was increased in dermally dosed birds only possibly due to increased metabolism required to compensate damaged feather integrity and thermoregulate. Gastrointestinal ulceration was found in orally dosed birds only. There were no significant hepatic histopathologic lesions induced by either exposure route. Therefore, hepatic histopathology is likely not a good representation of oil-induced damage. Taken together, the results suggest that oral or dermal exposure of DCCOs to artificially weathered MC252 crude oil induced organ damage that could potentially affect survivability.

Toxicological and thermoregulatory effects of feather contamination with artificially weathered MC 252 oil in western sandpipers (Calidris mauri).

The external contamination of bird feathers with crude oil might have effects on feather structure and thus on thermoregulation. We tested the thermoregulatory ability of western sandpipers (Calidris mauri) in a respirometry chamber with oil applied either immediately prior, or three days before the experiment. The birds were then exposed to a sliding cold temperature challenge between 27°C and -3°C to calculate thermal conductance. After the experiment, a large blood sample was taken and the liver extracted to measure a range of parameters linked to toxicology and oxidative stress. No differences in thermal conductance were observed among groups, but birds exposed to oil for three days had reduced body temperatures and lost more body mass during that period. At necropsy, oiled birds showed a decrease in plasma albumin and sodium, and an increase in urea. This is reflective of dysfunction in the kidney at the loop of Henle. Birds, especially when exposed to the oil for three days, showed signs of oxidative stress and oxidative damage. These results show that the ingestion of externally applied oil through preening or drinking can cause toxic effects even in low doses, while we did not detect a direct effect of the external oil on thermoregulation over the temperature range tested.

Changes in white cell estimates and plasma chemistry measurements following oral or external dosing of double-crested cormorants, Phalacocorax auritus, with artificially weathered MC252 oil.

Scoping studies were designed whereby double-crested cormorants (Phalacocorax auritus) were dosed with artificially weathered Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil either daily through oil injected feeder fish, or by application of oil directly to feathers every three days. Preening results in oil ingestion, and may be an effective means of orally dosing birds with toxicant to improve our understanding of the full range of physiological effects of oral oil ingestion on birds. Blood samples collected every 5-6 days were analyzed for a number of clinical endpoints including white blood cell (WBC) estimates and differential cell counts. Plasma biochemical evaluations were performed for changes associated with oil toxicity. Oral dosing and application of oil to feathers resulted in clinical signs and statistically significant changes in a number of biochemical endpoints consistent with petroleum exposure. In orally dosed birds there were statistically significant decreases in aspartate amino transferase (AST) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities, calcium, chloride, cholesterol, glucose, and total protein concentrations, and increases in plasma urea, uric acid, and phosphorus concentrations. Plasma electrophoresis endpoints (pre-albumin, albumin, alpha-2 globulin, beta globulin, and gamma globulin concentrations and albumin: globulin ratios) were decreased in orally dosed birds. Birds with external oil had increases in urea, creatinine, uric acid, creatine kinase (CK), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), phosphorus, calcium, chloride, potassium, albumin, alpha-1 globulin and alpha-2 globulin. Decreases were observed in AST, beta globulin and glucose. WBC also differed between treatments; however, this was in part driven by monocytosis present in the externally oiled birds prior to oil treatment.

Dietary intake of Deepwater Horizon oil-injected live food fish by double-crested cormorants resulted in oxidative stress.

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill released 134 million gallons of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico making it the largest oil spill in US history and exposing fish, birds, and marine mammals throughout the Gulf of Mexico to its toxicity. Fish eating waterbirds such as the double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) were exposed to the oil both by direct contact with the oil and orally through preening and the ingestion of contaminated fish. This study investigated the effects of orally ingestedMC252 oil-contaminated live fish food by double-crested cormorants on oxidative stress. Total, reduced, and oxidized glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation were assessed in the liver tissues of control and treated cormorants. The results suggest that ingestion of the oil-contaminated fish resulted in significant increase in oxidative stress in the liver tissues of these birds. The oil-induced increase in oxidative stress could have detrimental impacts on the bird's life-history.

Emetic responses to T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin and emetine correspond to plasma elevations of peptide YY3-36 and 5-hydroxytryptamine.

Trichothecene mycotoxins are a family of potent translational inhibitors that are associated with foodborne outbreaks of human and animal gastroenteritis in which vomiting is a clinical hallmark. Deoxynivalenol (DON, vomitoxin) and other Type B trichothecenes have been previously demonstrated to cause emesis in the mink (Neovison vison), and this response has been directly linked to secretion of both the satiety hormone peptide YY3-36 (PYY3-36) and neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). Here, we characterized the emetic responses in the mink to T-2 toxin (T-2) and HT-2 toxin (HT-2), two highly toxic Type A trichothecenes that contaminate cereals, and further compared these effects to those of emetine, a natural alkaloid that is used medicinally and also well known to block translation and cause vomiting. Following intraperitoneal (IP) and oral exposure, all three agents caused vomiting with evident dose-dependent increases in both duration and number of emetic events as well as decreases in latency to emesis. T-2 and HT-2 doses causing emesis in 50 % of treated animals (ED50s) were 0.05 and 0.02 mg/kg BW following IP and oral administration, respectively, whereas the ED50s for emetine were 2.0 and 1.0 mg/kg BW for IP and oral exposure, respectively. Importantly, oral administration of all three toxins elicited marked elevations in plasma concentrations of PYY3-36 and 5-HT that corresponded to emesis. Taken together, the results suggest that T-2 and HT-2 were much more potent than emetine and that emesis induction by all three translational inhibitors co-occurred with increases in circulating levels of PYY3-36 and 5-HT.

Dose Addition Models Accurately Predict the Subacute Effects of a Mixture of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and Perfluorooctanoic Acid on Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) Chick Mortality.

Biomonitoring data have consistently demonstrated that fish, wildlife, and humans are exposed to multiple per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water and foods. Despite ubiquitous exposure to mixtures of PFAS, there is a lack of in vivo PFAS mixture research that addresses whether these chemicals act in a cumulative, dose-additive (DA) manner or whether they behave independently. For this reason, there is a critical need for mixtures studies designed to evaluate the cumulative toxicity and potential chemical interactions to support the assessment of human and ecological risks and also to define appropriate regulatory actions. Our primary objective was to evaluate the previously published Japanese quail chick mortality concentration-response data for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and the mixture of PFOS + PFOA and to use statistical modeling to determine whether the effects of the mixtures were accurately predicted by either DA or response addition modeling. In addition, we wanted to compare different DA models to determine whether one model produced more accurate predictions than the others. Our results support the hypothesis of cumulative effects on shared endpoints from PFOA and PFOS co-exposure and DA approaches for predictive estimates of cumulative effects. Given the limited number of in vivo studies that have been executed with enough individual PFAS and PFAS mixture concentration-response data to test the hypothesis of DA for PFAS mixtures, this re-analysis of the data is an important contribution to our understanding of how PFAS mixtures act. The analysis will provide support for regulatory agencies as they begin to implement PFAS cumulative hazard assessments in higher vertebrates. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:97-104. © 2023 SETAC. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Effects of simple cage enrichment and its removal on the behavior and welfare of American mink (Neogale vison).

Environmental enrichment may reduce stereotypies in fur-farmed mink. North American mink standards require manipulable enrichment objects within cages. However, mink can rapidly destroy objects inhibiting continuous enrichment presence, which may have negative welfare impacts. This experimental study determined the effects of removing simple cage manipulable enrichments (plastic chains and dumbbells), either short-term or longer-term, on the behavioral expression of welfare in fur-farmed mink. Locomotor stereotypies, normal activity, sub-types of inactivity related to boredom, and tail fur-chewing were recorded across four treatment groups with either (1) no enrichment, (2) continuous enrichment, (3) short (temporary), or (4) long-term enrichment removal. Contrary to predictions, locomotor stereotypies, and scrabbling were not reduced by the enrichments, nor affected by the enrichment removal. Observations at the beginning of the trial showed the non-enriched mink spent the least amount of time lying with their eyes open (i.e., the least bored). The lack of enrichment may have increased fur-chewing on the tail, but larger sample sizes would be needed for statistical confirmation. This research contributes to the literature on evaluating simple, practical enrichments for improving fur-farmed mink welfare.

Comparison of destructive periodontal disease in blue iris mink to PCB 126-induced mandibular and maxillary squamous epithelial proliferation in natural dark mink.

Mink (Mustela vison) exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-like chemicals have been reported to develop mandibular and maxillary squamous cell proliferation that results in the destruction of alveolar bone and eventual tooth loss. This jaw lesion has been reported in wild mink collected from areas contaminated with TCDD-like compounds and is a potential biomarker for exposure to these chemicals. The blue iris strain of domestic mink is prone to develop severe periodontal disease, which results in destruction of bone and tooth loss that is grossly similar to the lesion induced by exposure to TCDD-like chemicals. A histological assessment of jaws from blue iris mink and natural dark mink exposed to 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126) was done to determine whether the oral lesions are similar. The jaw tissue from the blue iris mink had lesions indicative of lymphoplasmacytic gingivitis and osteomyelitis, caused by inflammation entering the dental sulcus, while the jaw tissue from the mink exposed to PCB 126 exhibited squamous epithelial proliferation. Therefore, it was determined that the tooth loss and bone destruction seen in these mink are of different origin despite the similarity of the gross clinical signs.

Sequence and in vitro function of chicken, ring-necked pheasant, and Japanese quail AHR1 predict in vivo sensitivity to dioxins.

There are large differences in sensitivity to the toxic and biochemical effects of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) among vertebrates. Previously, we demonstrated that the difference in sensitivity between domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and common tern (Sterna hirundo) to aryl hydrocarbon receptor 1 (AHR1)-dependent changes in gene expression following exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is based upon the identities of the amino acids at two sites within the ligand binding domain of AHR1 (chicken--highly sensitive; Ile324_Ser380 vs common tern--250-fold less sensitive than chicken; Val325_Ala381). Here, we tested the hypotheses that (i) the sensitivity of other avian species to TCDD, 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF), and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) is also determined by the amino acids at sites that are equivalent to sites 324 and 380 in chicken, and (ii) Ile324_Ala380 and Val324_Ser380 genotypes confer intermediate sensitivity to DLCs in birds. We compared ligand-induced transactivation function of full-length AHR1s from chicken, common tern, ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus; Ile324_Ala380) and Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica; Val324_Ala380), and three Japanese quail AHR1 mutants. The results support our hypothesis that avian species can be grouped into three general classes of sensitivity to DLCs. Both AHR1 genotype and in vitro transactivation assays predict in vivo sensitivity. Contrary to the assumption that TCDD is the most potent DLC, PeCDF was more potent than TCDD at activating Japanese quail (13- to 26-fold) and common tern (23- to 30-fold) AHR1. Our results support and expand previous in vitro and in vivo work that demonstrated ligand-dependent species differences in AHR1 affinity. The findings and methods will be of use for DLC risk assessments.

The Subacute Toxicity of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate and/or Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Legacy Aqueous Film-Forming Foams to Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) Chicks.

As part of an effort to develop avian ecotoxicity information for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) associated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used by the Department of Defense, the subacute toxicity of PFOS, PFOA, PFOS + PFOA, 3M AFFF, and Ansul AFFF to Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) chicks was determined. Ten-day-old Japanese quail were administered treated feed for 5 d and then fed untreated feed for 18 d. Analyzed concentrations of PFOS, PFOA, and PFOS + PFOA ranged from 62 to 1955, 162 to 1208, and 43 + 45 to 296 + 292 mg kg feed-1 . Analyzed concentrations of PFOS in feed containing the 3M AFFF ranged from 73 to 1399 mg kg feed-1 , and formulated concentrations of 6:2 fluorotelomer thioamido sulfonate in feed containing the Ansul AFFF ranged from 9 to 1118 mg kg feed-1 . Average daily doses resulting in 50% mortality at day 5 were 38 (34-43), 68 (63-74), 55 (51-59), and 130 (103-164) mg PFOS, PFOA, PFOS + PFOA, and PFOS in 3M AFFF kg body weight-1 d-1 . Ansul AFFF did not result in any mortalities. Dietary concentrations resulting in 50% mortality at day 5 were 351 (275-450), 496 (427-575), 398 (339-468), and 467 (390-559) mg PFOS, PFOA, PFOS + PFOA, and PFOS in 3M AFFF kg feed-1 . Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:695-710. © 2020 SETAC.

Dietary Exposure of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica) to Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) and a Legacy Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Containing PFOS: Effects on Reproduction and Chick Survivability and Growth.

Effects of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and a legacy aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) containing 91% PFOS (AFFF PFOS) on reproduction, chick survivability, and growth of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) were determined. Day-old Japanese quail were administered PFOS or AFFF PFOS at 6 dietary concentrations ranging from 0 to 21 mg kg-1 feed for a total of 20 wk. At the age of 4 wk, 16 male/female pairs per treatment were assigned to cages, and egg laying was induced by the age of 10 wk. Eggs were collected daily, set weekly, and incubated for 18 d for the following 10 wk. Hatchlings were fed uncontaminated feed for 2 wk and euthanized to collect blood and liver. After 10 wk of egg collection, adults were euthanized to collect blood, liver, and kidneys. Significantly increased myofiber numbers in the liver and glomerular sclerosis in the kidneys of adults indicated damage at greater doses. Perfluorooctane sulfonate or AFFF PFOS did not significantly affect egg production; however, hatchability was decreased at the highest PFOS dose. The no-observed-adverse-effect levels for chick survivability, considered the critical effect, were 4.1 mg PFOS kg feed-1 (0.55 mg kg body wt-1 d-1 ) and 5.0 mg AFFF PFOS kg feed-1 (0.66 mg kg body wt-1 d-1 ), resulting in calculated average toxicity reference values of 0.25 mg kg feed-1 and 0.034 mg kg body weight-1 d-1 . Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:2521-2537. © 2020 SETAC.

Sequencing and characterization of mixed function monooxygenase genes CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 of Mink (Mustela vison) to facilitate study of dioxin-like compounds.

As part of an ongoing effort to understand aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) mediated toxicity in mink, cDNAs encoding for CYP1A1 and the CYP1A2 mixed function monooxygenases were cloned and characterized. In addition, the effects of selected dibenzofurans on the expression of these genes and the presence of their respective proteins (P4501A) were investigated, and then correlated with the catalytic activities of these proteins as measured by ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and methoxyresorufin O-deethylase (MROD) activities. The predicted protein sequences for CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 comprise 517 and 512 amino acid residues, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of the mink CYP1As with protein sequences of other mammals revealed high sequence homology with sea otter, seals and the dog, with amino acid identities ranging from 89 to 95% for CYP1A1 and 81 to 93% for CYP1A2. Since exposure to both 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) and 2,3,4,7,8-Pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) resulted in dose-dependent increases of CYP1A1 mRNA, CYP1A2 mRNA and CYP1A protein levels an underlying AhR-mediated mechanism is suggested. The up-regulation of CYP1A mRNA in liver was more consistent to the sum adipose TEQ concentration than to the liver TEQ concentration in minks treated with TCDF or PeCDF. The result suggested that the hepatic-sequestered fraction of PeCDF was biologically inactive to the induction of CYP1A1 and CYP1A2.

Histological lesions in mink jaws are a highly sensitive biomarker of effect after exposure to TCDD-like chemicals: field and literature-based confirmations.

The mink (Mustela vison) is one of the most sensitive mammals to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-like chemicals. By literature review we established that a histological lesion of the jaw bone of mink, evidenced by squamous epithelial hyperplasia in the gingival tissue that forms nests or cords that infiltrate the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone causing osteolysis of the mandible and maxilla that could lead to squamous cell carcinoma, is the most sensitive known biomarker of effect following exposure of mink to TCDD-like chemicals. Lesions have been observed when total TCDD toxic equivalents (TEQ: dioxins, furans, coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs) in liver exceed 40 ng/kg wet weight (ww) or when total PCB exceeds 1698 ng/g ww. This is the second report of histological evidence of this lesion in wild-caught mink, and it is the first report of the lesion being grossly detectable in naturally exposed mink. Some mink living near the south shore of Lake Ontario (exposed to the lake's food web), but not inland mink (not exposed to the lake's food web), accumulate more than 40 ng total TEQ/kg or 1698 ng total PCB/kg in liver. Because of its sensitivity, the jaw lesion biomarker is very useful for assessing the health of wildlife populations exposed to TCDD-like chemicals.

Hepatic P450 enzyme activity, tissue morphology and histology of mink (Mustela vison) exposed to polychlorinated dibenzofurans.

Dose- and time-dependent effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TEQ) of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF), 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF), or a mixture of these two congeners on hepatic P450 enzyme activity and tissue morphology, including jaw histology, of adult ranch mink were determined under controlled conditions. Adult female ranch mink were fed either TCDF (0.98, 3.8, or 20 ng TEQ(TCDF)/kg bw/day) or PeCDF (0.62, 2.2, or 9.5 ng TEQ(PeCDF)/kg bw/day), or a mixture of TCDF and PeCDF (4.1 ng TEQ(TCDF)/kg bw/day and 2.8 ng TEQ(PeCDF)/kg bw/day, respectively) for 180 days. Doses used in this study were approximately eight times greater than those reported in a parallel field study. Activities of the cytochrome P450 1A enzymes, ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) and methoxyresorufin O-deethylase (MROD) were significantly greater in livers of mink exposed to TCDF, PeCDF, and a mixture of the two congeners; however, there were no significant histological or morphological effects observed. It was determined that EROD and MROD activity can be used as sensitive biomarkers of exposure to PeCDF and TCDF in adult female mink; however, under the conditions of this study, the response of EROD/MROD induction occurred at doses that were less than those required to cause histological or morphological changes.