RESUMO
Mercury (Hg) biomonitoring of pinnipeds increasingly utilizes nonlethally collected tissues such as hair and blood. The relationship between total Hg concentrations ([THg]) in these tissues is not well understood for marine mammals, but it can be important for interpretation of tissue concentrations with respect to ecotoxicology and biomonitoring. We examined [THg] in blood and hair in multiple age classes of four pinniped species. For each species, we used paired blood and hair samples to quantify the ability of [THg] in hair to predict [THg] in blood at the time of sampling and examined the influence of varying ontogenetic phases and life history of the sampled animals. Overall, we found that the relationship between [THg] in hair and blood was affected by factors including age class, weaning status, growth, and the time difference between hair growth and sample collection. Hair [THg] was moderately to strongly predictive of current blood [THg] for adult female Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus), adult female California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), and adult harbor seals (Phoca vitulina), whereas hair [THg] was poorly predictive or not predictive (different times of year) of blood [THg] for adult northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Within species, except for very young pups, hair [THg] was a weaker predictor of blood [THg] for prereproductive animals than for adults likely due to growth, variability in foraging behavior, and transitions between ontogenetic phases. Our results indicate that the relationship between hair [THg] and blood [THg] in pinnipeds is variable and that ontogenetic phase and life history should be considered when interpreting [THg] in these tissues.
Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Cabelo/química , Mercúrio/análise , Phoca , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Animais , Ecotoxicologia , Feminino , Masculino , Mercúrio/sangue , Poluentes Químicos da Água/sangueRESUMO
Trace element concentrations and oxidative stress indicators were measured in the liver and kidney samples of 35 blue sharks caught by local artisan fisheries on the west coast of Baja California Sur (Mexico). Differences between sex and maturity cohorts, and the interactions of trace elements with oxidative stress indicators were assessed. Significant differences were found in trace element (Hg, As, Zn, Cd, Pb) concentrations and oxidative stress indicators (catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, lipid peroxidation, TBARS levels) between tissues. Significant sex differences (femalesAssuntos
Cobre/isolamento & purificação
, Estresse Oxidativo
, Oligoelementos/isolamento & purificação
, Zinco/isolamento & purificação
, Animais
, Catalase/metabolismo
, Cobre/toxicidade
, Feminino
, Rim/efeitos dos fármacos
, Rim/enzimologia
, Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos
, Fígado/efeitos dos fármacos
, Fígado/enzimologia
, Masculino
, Tubarões/metabolismo
, Substâncias Reativas com Ácido Tiobarbitúrico/metabolismo
, Oligoelementos/toxicidade
, Zinco/toxicidade
RESUMO
Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) tissue mercury concentrations increasingly above thresholds of concern occur in regions of Alaska where lack of population recovery is noted. Selenium-monomethylmercury interactions may mitigate toxicosis but may also result in functional selenium deficiency, impacting essential selenium-dependent processes. Physiologically driven differences in tissue concentrations (organotropism) of total mercury ([THg]), total selenium ([TSe]), and monomethylmercury ([MeHg+ ]) confound interpretation for various age cohorts. Archived tissues from Alaska Steller sea lions (2002-2016) were used to compare [THg], [MeHg+ ], and [TSe] across age cohorts and tissue types. Liver [THg] ranged from 0.05 to 63.7 µg/g. Fetal and pup livers had significantly lower [THg] and [TSe], higher percentage MeHg+ , and greater range of molar TSe:THg than subadult and adult livers. Molar Se:MeHg+ ratios, including Se in excess of nonmethylmercury, were dependent on [MeHg+ ] in fetuses and pups. While [THg] varied significantly by muscle type (heart vs. skeletal) and anatomical location, concentrations were strongly correlated. Biomagnification and/or bioaccumulation of THg in liver of older animals confounded comparison with other tissues; however, in fetal and pup liver [THg] correlated with other tissues. In contrast, liver [MeHg+ ] correlated with other tissues across all age classes. Fetal and pup tissues, which reflect in utero exposure and are subject to limited bioaccumulation, are ideal for assessing mercury exposure related to dam diet, including intertissue comparison, and represent key cohorts of concern. Evaluating [MeHg+ ] and [TSe] in tissues from multiple age cohorts allows better intertissue comparison, providing insight into time courses, routes of exposure, and potential for adverse effects. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:1477-1489. © 2022 SETAC.
Assuntos
Mercúrio , Compostos de Metilmercúrio , Leões-Marinhos , Selênio , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , Monitoramento Ambiental , Mercúrio/análise , Músculos/química , Selênio/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análiseRESUMO
Mercury (Hg) is a well-known toxicant in wildlife and humans. High total Hg concentrations ([THg]) have been reported in central California harbor seals Phoca vitulina richardii. We evaluated the effects of presence/absence of early natal coat (lanugo), year (2012 to 2017), sex, stranding location, and trophic ecology (áº13C and áº15N values) on hair [THg] along coastal central California. Also examined were [THg] effects on growth rates of pups in rehabilitation and probability of release (e.g., successful rehabilitation). The [THg] ranged from 0.46-81.98 mg kg-1 dw, and áº15N and áº13C ranged from 13.6-21.5, and -17.2 to -13.0, respectively. Stranding location, year, and presence of lanugo coat were important factors explaining variation in [THg]. Seals from Sonoma and San Mateo County had higher [THg] than other locations. Seals with full or partial lanugo coat had lower [THg]. Seals from 2016 and 2017 had higher [THg] than those from 2015. Hair [THg] exceeded lower and upper toxicological thresholds (>20 mg kg-1 by year (5.88% to 23.53%); >30 mg kg-1 (0% to 12.31%)) with a pronounced increase from 2015 to 2016. Pups in 2017 had significantly higher odds ratio of [THg] above 20 mg kg-1 than pups of 2015, and pups in 2016 had significantly higher odds ratio than those from 2013 and 2015 (similar when using 30 mg kg-1). Pups in Sonoma County had the highest odds ratio for [THg] in lanugo above 20 mg kg-1. áº15N values were higher in 2015-2017, particularly relative to 2014, probably associated with the El Niño event. The [THg] was not a good predictor for probability of release and mass-specific growth rates in captivity. Further investigation of temporal trends of [THg] in harbor seals is warranted given the relatively high percentage of samples exceeding threshold values, particularly in the most recent sampling years.
Assuntos
Caniformia , Mercúrio , Phoca , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , Cabelo/química , Humanos , Mercúrio/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análiseRESUMO
Total mercury (THg) concentrations were measured in muscle and liver of two placental viviparous sharks, the Pacific sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon longurio) and the brown smooth-hound (Mustelus henlei); as well as in the muscle, liver, and yolk of the yolk-sac viviparous speckled guitarfish (Pseudobatos glaucostigmus) in Baja California Sur. The aim was to determine which factors could be involved in maternal transfer and resultant maternal and embryonic THg concentration. Higher THg concentrations were found in pregnant females compared to embryos paired tissues. THg concentrations of embryo tissues decreased with total length (TL), except for the muscle of the Pacific sharpnose shark. THg concentrations of embryo muscle was positively related to THg concentration in the muscle of pregnant females. Embryos TL, muscle THg concentration of pregnant females, percentage of THg concentration in embryos, along with the reproductive strategy are relevant factors required to improve our understanding of THg concentration in embryo tissues.
Assuntos
Mercúrio , Tubarões , Rajidae , Animais , Feminino , Mercúrio/análise , México , Placenta/química , GravidezRESUMO
Identifying ecosystems where biota may be contaminated with hazardous levels of methylmercury (MeHg) is a challenge. One widely used approach for determining site-specific MeHg contamination is to monitor MeHg contamination in sentinel species. Terrestrial shoreline spiders that consume emergent aquatic insects (e.g., midges and mayflies) have been proposed as sentinels of MeHg contamination of aquatic ecosystems. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether a novel sampling technique, collection of spiders from nests of mud dauber wasps (Sphecidae), would be an efficient method for capturing MeHg-contaminated shoreline spiders for use as sentinels in ecological risk assessments. Mud dauber nests were collected near the Clear Fork of the Trinity River in Fort Worth, Texas (USA) on 3 dates from 4 human-made structures. Nests contained 627 unconsumed spiders from 5 families: Araneidae, Salticidae, Thomisidae, Oxyopidae, and Theridiidae. Methylmercury concentrations ranged from 12.2 to 56.3 ng/g wet weight in Thomisidae and Araenidae, respectively. Methylmercury concentrations of the spiders were generally low relative to risk thresholds for adult birds, but a few families of spiders could pose a risk to nestlings. Although mud dauber nests have been recognized as a source of spiders for biodiversity studies, the present study is the first to demonstrate the potential use of spiders collected from mud dauber nests for ecotoxicology studies. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1335-1340. © 2021 SETAC.
Assuntos
Ephemeroptera , Mercúrio , Compostos de Metilmercúrio , Aranhas , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , Ecossistema , Monitoramento Ambiental , Humanos , Mercúrio/análise , Rios , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análiseRESUMO
The Steller sea lion (SSL) population west of 144°W longitude experienced a significant population decline. While there appears to be a stable or increasing population trend in rookeries in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) and Southeast Alaska (SEA), some rookeries within the Aleutian Islands (AI) have failed to recover. Previous studies found regional differences in whole blood total mercury concentrations ([THg]) showing more than 20% of AI pups had [THg] above critical thresholds for increased risk of immunological effects and other adverse outcomes. Measurements of immune cell-signaling proteins can be used to evaluate the immune status of marine mammals in relation to [THg]. We compared serum cytokine and chemokine concentrations in pups among regions (AI, eastern GOA, SEA), and examined associations among cytokines, chemokines, white blood cell (WBC) counts, and [THg]. Considering liver is an important target organ for mercury and immune protein synthesis we additionally examined the relationship of [THg] with liver-related enzymes serum aspartate (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). We observed regional differences in cytokine and chemokine measurements and immune protein associations. There was a positive association between total WBC counts and [THg] in AI pups, whereas a negative association between lymphocytes and [THg] in SEA pups. These findings may indicate regional variation in proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic cells, differences in immune system development, and/or a difference in antigenic stimuli. No associations between [THg] and cytokines, chemokines, AST or ALT were found. Observed regional differences in cytokine and chemokine milieu during gestational and early development in SSL pups could lead to an imbalance in cell differentiation that could impact immunological resiliency in juvenile and adult life stages. We report concentration ranges of a suite of cytokines and chemokines which may prove to be a useful metric for ecotoxicology and risk assessment studies in SSLs and other wildlife.
Assuntos
Mercúrio , Leões-Marinhos , Alaska , Animais , Citocinas , Contagem de Leucócitos , Mercúrio/análiseRESUMO
Shoreline spiders have been proposed as sentinels to monitor aquatic contaminants including methylmercury (MeHg). The present study examined the effect of spider body size on MeHg concentrations in shoreline spiders. We collected 6 taxa of spiders belonging to 4 families (orb-weavers [Araneidae], long-jawed orb weavers [Tetragnathidae: Tetragnatha sp.], jumping spiders [Salticidae], and wolf spiders [Lycosidae: Pardosa sp., Rabidosa sp., and Schizocosa sp.]) from the shorelines of 14 human-made ponds at the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands in north Texas (USA). As a proxy for body size, we measured leg length (tibia + patella) of each spider. Spider taxa differed by 3-fold in mean MeHg concentration, and MeHg concentrations in 4 of 6 spider taxa increased significantly with leg length. The present study is the first to demonstrate that shoreline spider MeHg concentrations increase as a function of spider body size. Because spider size may account for some within-taxa variation in MeHg concentrations, future studies that utilize spiders as sentinels of aquatic contamination by MeHg or other biomagnifying contaminants should take spider size into account. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1149-1154. © 2020 SETAC.
Assuntos
Compostos de Metilmercúrio , Aranhas , Animais , Tamanho Corporal , TexasRESUMO
Monomethyl mercury (MeHg+) from the diet can cause mild to severe neurotoxicosis in fish-eating mammals. Chronic and low-level in utero exposure also can be neurotoxic, as documented in laboratory animal studies and epidemiologic investigations. In free-ranging animals, it is challenging to study low-level exposure related neurotoxicosis, and few studies have investigated the relationship between mercury (Hg) and adverse outcomes in wild populations. Relative to Hg concentrations on admission we evaluated different types of behaviors for 267 Pacific harbor seal (HS; Phoca vitulina richardii) pups at The Marine Mammal Center from 2015 to 2019 during rehabilitation after stranding and maternal separation. Admitted HS pups underwent a clinical exam; including sex and weight determination, and hair (partly lanugo grown in utero) and blood samples were collected for total Hg concentration ([THg]) determination. All pups were monitored weekly (behavior assessments included response to tactile stimulation, movement, swimming, interactions with other seals, hand feeding, and feeding independently), and days in rehabilitation and survival were recorded. There was a significant negative correlation between [THg] and responses to tactile stimulation and movements, measured in both hair and whole blood (p < 0.05). This relationship was found both during the intensive care unit (ICU) stage, and during the pool stage of rehabilitation. Additionally, there was a significant association between greater [THg] and number of days spent in rehabilitation, although there was no relationship between [THg] and survival. There was a significant sex difference, with greater [THg] in female pups, which contrasts with previously published findings in juvenile and adult harbor seals. Our findings support small, but significant associations between gestational THg exposure and clinical effects for tactile sensory response and movement, and longer rehabilitation durations for HS pups, although there was considerable variability among animals.
Assuntos
Mercúrio , Phoca , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , California , Feminino , Masculino , Privação Materna , Mercúrio/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análiseRESUMO
Selenium (Se) bioavailability is required for synthesis and function of essential Se-dependent antioxidants, including the enzyme glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Strong interactions between monomethyl mercury and Se impair the critical antioxidant role of Se. Approximately 20% of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus, SSL) pups sampled in the western Aleutian Islands, Alaska, had total Hg concentrations ([THg]) measured in hair and whole blood above thresholds of concern for adverse physiologic effects in pinnipeds. Importantly, low molar ratios of TSe:THg, in some cases < 1 in several tissues (hair, liver, pelt, muscle, spleen, intestine, heart, lungs, brain) were documented for one SSL pup with [THg] above threshold of concern, which may lead to antioxidant deficiency. Our aim with this study was to evaluate the relationship between circulating [THg], [MeHg+], [TSe] and TSe:THg molar ratio status relative to oxidative stress and antioxidants measured during general anesthesia in free-ranging SSL. We captured, anesthetized and sampled newborn SSL pups at rookeries located in the Aleutian Islands or Gulf of Alaska. Biomarkers analyzed for oxidative stress included 4-hydroxynenonal and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (4-HNE and TBARS, respectively, lipid peroxidation), protein carbonyl content (PCC, protein oxidation), and GPx activity as a key indicator for Se-dependent antioxidant defense levels. We found a negative association between TBARS and [TSe], and SSL with low [TSe] had higher concentrations of 4-HNE than those with intermediate [TSe]. These results suggest that SSL with lower [TSe] experience increased lipid peroxidation potentially associated with [THg] status.
Assuntos
Biomarcadores/análise , Mercúrio/análise , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Selênio/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Animais , Glutationa Peroxidase/metabolismo , Mercúrio/toxicidade , Leões-Marinhos , Selênio/toxicidade , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidadeRESUMO
Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus, SSLs) are managed as two distinct population segments within U.S. waters: the endangered western distinct population segment and the recently delisted eastern distinct population segment. Recent studies reported concentrations of mercury in several tissues collected from young SSLs in the Aleutian Islands that were at or above concentrations found to negatively impact health in other fish-eating mammals. However, there are limited studies which have investigated the range of mercury concentrations that may negatively influence the SSL immune system. This study assessed relationships between methyl mercury (MeHg+) concentrations and two immune functions, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine expression. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated and cryopreserved from pups on three rookeries within the western distinct population segment: Chiswell Island, Ulak, and Agattu Islands. Lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine expression were assessed in vitro using thawed PBMCs with exposure to MeHg+ (unexposed control, 0.001, 0.01, and 0.1 µg/ml). Lymphocyte proliferation was measured without and with stimulation with a T cell mitogen (ConA) and B cell mitogen (LPS) and the concentration of cytokines was measured in the cell culture supernatant (with and without ConA or LPS). Spontaneous lymphocyte proliferation was significantly increased at 0.01 and 0.1 µg/ml. T lymphocyte proliferation was significantly increased at 0.001 µg/ml and 0.1 µg/ml, while B lymphocyte proliferation was decreased at 0.1 µg/ml. Cytokine concentrations for INFγ, IL-10, IL-6, and TNFα were reduced at 0.1 µg/ml upon either T or B cell mitogen stimulation, with the exception for IL-10, where 0.1 µg/ml reduced IL-10 concentration compared to unstimulated cells. These data suggest immune functions were affected by MeHg+ exposure requiring in vivo follow up investigations. The observed modulation of immune functions is of concern as any toxicant-induced modulation may adversely affect the health of individuals, particularly younger animals undergoing periods of critical development.
Assuntos
Mercúrio , Leões-Marinhos , Alaska , Animais , Proliferação de Células , Citocinas , Leucócitos Mononucleares , LinfócitosRESUMO
Varying concentrations of the highly conserved acute phase response protein, haptoglobin, can indicate changes to the health and disease status of mammals, including the Steller sea lion (SSL; Eumetopias jubatus). To better understand factors relating to acute phase response in SSLs, circulating haptoglobin concentrations (Hp) were quantified in plasma collected from 1,272 individuals sampled near rookeries and haulouts off the coast of Alaska, US. We compared Hp in SSLs between sexes and among different age classes (young pups, young-of-the-year, yearlings, subadults, and adults) sampled within distinct regions in Alaska (Aleutian Islands, Gulf of Alaska, Southeast Alaska). Regional and age-related differences were observed, particularly in younger SSLs. No sex-related differences were detected. We identified weakly significant relationships between Hp and hematology measurements including white blood cell counts and hematocrit in young pups from the Aleutian Islands and Southeast Alaska. No relationship between Hp and body condition was found. Lastly, a nonlinear relationship of plasma Hp and whole blood total mercury concentrations (THg) was observed in SSLs from the endangered western distinct population segment in Alaska. These results demonstrated that regional variation in Hp, especially in younger SSLs, may reflect regional differences in health and circulating THg.
Assuntos
Envelhecimento , Distribuição Animal , Haptoglobinas/metabolismo , Leões-Marinhos/sangue , Alaska , Animais , Composição Corporal , Hematócrito , Contagem de Leucócitos , Mercúrio/sangueRESUMO
Mercury (Hg) poses a health risk to wildlife populations and has been documented at relatively high concentrations in many marine mammals, including wild-caught pinnipeds along the central California, US coast. We measured total Hg concentrations ([THg]) in hair and blood of live-stranded harbor seals (HS; Phoca vitulina), California sea lions (CSL; Zalophus californianus), and northern elephant seals (NES; Mirounga angustirostris) in California to quantify species, temporal, and spatial variability in [THg] and assess the relationships between [THg] measured by different methods (blood vs. filter paper) and in different matrices (blood vs. hair). We compared [THg] with toxicologic thresholds of concern to aid in identification of at-risk individuals or groups and better understand how the use of different methods and matrices affects assumed toxicologic risk. There was a wide range of [THg] in blood (<0.01-1.13 µg/g) and hair (0.45-81.98 µg/g), and NES had higher [THg] compared with HS and CSL. All three species had individuals with [THg] that exceeded the lower threshold for one or both matrices, but only HS pups had [THg] exceeding upper thresholds. Spatial differences in [THg] were detected, with higher concentrations in HS pups from areas surrounding San Francisco Bay, but differences were dependent on sampling year and matrix. The relationship between [THg] in blood and filter paper (r2=0.98) was strong, and differences had little influence on comparisons with toxicologic thresholds. Blood and hair [THg] were generally in agreement (r2=0.72), but large mismatches for a few seals underscore the importance of combined sampling in adverse effects studies where accurate assessment of Hg exposure is crucial. The wide range of [THg] in stranded HS pups that exceeded published thresholds of concern makes them a promising candidate for adverse effects studies, particularly because different matrices represent Hg exposure across key developmental stages.
Assuntos
Caniformia/sangue , Teste em Amostras de Sangue Seco/veterinária , Mercúrio/sangue , Poluentes Químicos da Água/sangue , Animais , Teste em Amostras de Sangue Seco/métodos , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Cabelo/química , Mercúrio/químicaRESUMO
We explored the use of filter paper soaked in whole blood for measuring carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotopes, often used in feeding ecology or diet studies, to better understand drivers of exposure to contaminants. Our results showed no statistically or biologically relevant differences in C and N stable isotope measures between our gold standard (whole blood with anticoagulant) and eluates from processed, blood-soaked filter paper. Our data supported the effectiveness of using filter paper for assessing C and N stable isotopes in blood to address feeding ecology and other uses. The ease of sampling and processing should allow blood-soaked filter paper to be used in sampling of live (e.g., captured, stranded) and lethally taken (e.g., hunter-killed) wild vertebrates.
Assuntos
Sangue , Carbono/química , Celulose , Nitrogênio/química , Papel , Animais , Animais Selvagens , Golfinho Nariz-de-Garrafa/sangue , Isótopos de Carbono , Cervos/sangue , Etilaminas , Isótopos de Nitrogênio , Ruminantes/sangue , SulfetosRESUMO
Total mercury concentrations ([THg]) were determined in muscle and liver of the bat ray (Myliobatis californica), shovelnose guitarfish (Pseudobatos productus) and banded guitarfish (Zapteryx exasperata). Generalized linear models (GLM) were used to determine the effects of size and sex in [THg] and showed that both are determinants of [THg] in these species. The [THg] in both tissues significantly increased with length especially in sexually mature organisms with a steeper slope for mature male than mature female. This may relate to elasmobranchs sexual dimorphism driven variation in growth rates. Median muscle [THg] was significantly greater than liver in each ray species but there were some individuals with higher liver [THg] than muscle. There were individuals with muscle [THg] higher than the advisory thresholds of 0.2 and 0.5mgkg-1ww (2.4 and 11% of the bat ray; 2.1 and 10% of the shovelnose guitarfish; 12.6 and 45% of the banded guitarfish, respectively).
Assuntos
Mercúrio/análise , Rajidae , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Animais , Tamanho Corporal , Monitoramento Ambiental , Feminino , Fígado/química , Masculino , México , Músculos/químicaRESUMO
Total mercury concentrations ([THg]), δ15N and δ13C values were determined in muscle of 693 Pacific halibut caught in International Pacific Halibut Commission setline surveys in Alaska (2002-2011). Project goals were to evaluate whether 1) δ15N and δ13C varied with region, age, sex and length of halibut, and 2) muscle [THg] varied with δ15N and δ13C (feeding ecology) while accounting for sex, length, and region. Variation in [THg] was explained, in part, by halibut feeding ecology as [THg] increased with trophic position (increasing δ15N). Halibut from the western Aleutian Island region were the exception, with overall lower δ15N values and significantly higher [THg] than halibut from other Alaskan waters. This [THg] pattern has been observed in other Aleutian biota, possibly the result of northeasterly atmospheric movement of mercury emissions from Asia and/or other local sources and processes. The significantly lower δ15N values for these halibut warrants further investigation of halibut prey.
Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Linguado/metabolismo , Mercúrio/análise , Músculos/química , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Alaska , Animais , Pesos e Medidas Corporais , Isótopos de Carbono/análise , Feminino , Linguado/crescimento & desenvolvimento , Cadeia Alimentar , Ilhas , Masculino , Mercúrio/metabolismo , Isótopos de Nitrogênio/análise , Oceano Pacífico , Poluentes Químicos da Água/metabolismoRESUMO
Mean concentrations of total mercury ([THg]) and selenium ([TSe]) (mass and molar-based) were determined for 5 regions of the heart and 2 regions of the kidney of bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus) harvested in Alaska, USA, in 2010 and 2011. Mean [THg] and [TSe] of bearded seal liver and skeletal muscle tissues were used for intertissular comparison. The Se:Hg molar ratios were used to investigate elemental associations and potential antioxidant protection against Hg toxicosis. Age was an important factor in [THg] and Se:Hg molar ratios in heart and kidney. Small but statistically significant differences in mean [THg] occurred among some of the 5 heart regions (p < 0.05). Mean [THg] was highest in liver, 3.057 µg/g, and lowest in heart left ventricle, 0.017 µg/g. Mean [THg] ranked: liver > kidney cortex > kidney medulla > skeletal muscle > heart left ventricle (p < 0.001). Mean [TSe] was highest in liver, 3.848 µg/g, and lowest in heart left ventricle, 0.632 µg/g. Mean [TSe] ranked: liver > kidney cortex > kidney medulla > skeletal muscle > heart left ventricle (p < 0.001). The Se:Hg molar ratios were significantly greater than 1.0 in all tissues (p < 0.001) and represented baselines for normal [TSe] under relatively low [THg]. Mean Se:Hg molar ratios ranked: heart left ventricle > kidney medulla > kidney cortex (p < 0.001).
Assuntos
Rim/metabolismo , Fígado/metabolismo , Mercúrio/análise , Músculo Esquelético/metabolismo , Miocárdio/metabolismo , Focas Verdadeiras/metabolismo , Selênio/análise , Fatores Etários , Alaska , Animais , Monitoramento Ambiental , Feminino , Cabelo/química , Masculino , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análiseRESUMO
Fish skeletal muscle is often used to monitor mercury concentrations and is used by regulatory agencies to develop fish consumption advisories. However, the distribution of mercury species (MeHg+ and THg) in muscle tissue and other organs is not well understood in a number of fish species. Here we evaluate the spatial distribution of THg and MeHg+ in skeletal muscle and internal organs (heart, liver, and kidney) of 19 sculpin representing three species: Myoxocephalus scorpius (shorthorn sculpin n = 13), Myoxocephalus jaok (plain sculpin, n = 4), and Megalocottus platycephalus (belligerent sculpin, n = 2). Four subsamples of muscle were taken along the lateral aspect of each fish, from muscle A (cranial) to muscle D (caudal). Using Games-Howell post hoc procedure to compare mean concentrations of all tissues, muscle samples were significantly different from internal organs, although there was no difference between muscle-sampling locations. THg concentrations (ww) were higher in muscle (muscle A through D mean ± SD, 0.30 ± 0.19 mg/kg) than that in heart (0.06 ± 0.05 mg/kg), kidney (0.08 ± 0.06 mg/kg), and liver (0.09 ± 0.08 mg/kg). Percent MeHg+ decreased with age in both skeletal muscle and organs (p < 0.05). In contrast to some previous reports for other fish species, this study found significantly higher THg concentrations in muscle than in the liver. This study highlights the importance of using muscle samples when evaluating potential Hg exposure in risk assessments for piscivorous wildlife and human populations, and assumptions related to organ mercury concentrations should be examined with care.
RESUMO
Monomethylmercury (MeHg(+)) is an environmental pollutant, which at sufficiently high exposures, has induced neurotoxicosis in several animal species, including humans. Adverse neurological effects due to gestational exposure are of particular concern as MeHg(+) readily crosses the blood-brain and placental barriers. The degree to which environmental concentrations in marine prey affect free-living piscivorous wildlife, however, remains largely undetermined. We examined associations of gestational exposures to mercury on neurodevelopment and survival using hair and blood concentrations of total mercury ([THg]) in a stranded population of Pacific harbor seal pups from central California. A positive association was determined for the presence of abnormal neurological symptoms and increasing [THg] in blood (P = 0.04), but not hair. Neither hair nor blood [THg] was significantly associated with survival, or the neurodevelopmental milestone 'free-feeding', which was measured from the onset of hand-assisted feeding to the time at which pups were able to consume fish independently. Both hair and blood [THg] exceeded threshold values considered potentially toxic to humans and other mammalian wildlife species. The higher [THg] in blood associated with abnormal neurological symptoms may indicate an adverse effect of this pollutant on neurodevelopment in harbor seal pups. These data have broader implications with respect to human health and public policy as harbor seals and humans consume similar fish species, and it is possible that safeguard levels established for marine mammals could also extend to human populations that regularly consume fish.
Assuntos
Exposição Materna/efeitos adversos , Intoxicação do Sistema Nervoso por Mercúrio/veterinária , Mercúrio/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidade , Animais , California , Feminino , Cabelo/química , Mercúrio/sangue , PhocaRESUMO
The field of marine mammal diving biochemistry was essentially untouched when Peter Hochachka turned his attention to it in the mid-1970s. Over the next 30 years, his work followed three main themes in this area: first, most biologists at that time supported the theory that diving mammals utilized enhanced metabolic pathways for hypoxic energy production (glycolysis to lactate) and reduced their metabolic rate while diving. Peter began his work on potential hypoxic adaptations in marine mammals by working out the details of how these pathways would be regulated. By the 1980s, he started to ask how diving mammals balanced the increased demands of exercise with the apparently conflicting demands to reduce aerobic metabolism while exercising underwater. By the 1990s, his work involved complex models of the interplay between the neural, hormonal, behavioral and evolutionary components of diving biochemistry and animal exercise. From a comparative approach, he excelled at bringing themes of hypoxic adaptation from many different types of animals to the field of diving mammal biochemistry. This review traces the history of Peter Hochachka's work on diving biochemistry from the perspective of those of us who spent time with him both inside the laboratory and outside in the field from Antarctica to Iceland.