Bioaccumulation of cadmium: toxicity in Mugil cephalus

A series of 12 lethal and sublethal concentrations of Cd were applied in seawater to determine LC50 for two sizes of fish. Fries were found to be more sensitive to Cd toxicity than juveniles. During 2, 4, 6 and 8 week exposure periods to graded Cd concentrations, mortality increased but no significant effect on growth occurred. From subacute experiments, the MATC for fries and juveniles were 0.05-0.02 ppm Cd2+/1 and 2-0.1 ppm Cd2+/1, respectively. Liver was found to accumulate the highest concentration of Cd followed by gill, muscle, alimentary canal and finally the heart.     

Effects of Formaldehyde Inhalation on Zinc,Copper and Iron Concentrations in Liver and Kidney of Male Rats

In the present study, adult Wistar albino male rats were exposed to formaldehyde at different periods (subacute and subchronic) and concentrations (5.0 and 10.0 ppm) in order to figure out the changes in the concentration of Zn, Cu and Fe. It was observed that the formaldehyde inhalation caused gradual decline of body weights in the experimental groups when compared with control groups. It was found that subacute (4-week) or subchronic (13-week) exposure to formaldehyde for rats may cause growth retardation. After inhalation procedure, concentration of copper, zinc and iron were determined in liver and kidney tissues of rats using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In addition, concentrations of Cu, Zn and Fe changed by the effect of formaldehyde in subacute and subchronic groups.     

Role of interleukin-6 in murine airway responses to ozone

This study sought to examine the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in ozone (O(3))-induced airway injury, inflammation, and hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Subacute (72 h) exposure to 0.3 ppm O(3) significantly elevated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein, neutrophils, and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) in wild-type C57BL/6 (IL-6(+/+)) mice; however, all four outcome indicators were significantly reduced in IL-6-deficient (IL-6(-/-)) compared with IL-6(+/+) mice. Acute O(3) exposure (2 ppm for 3 h) increased BALF protein, KC, macrophage inflammatory protein(MIP)-2, eotaxin, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 in IL-6(+/+) mice. However, MIP-2 and sTNFR2 were not significantly increased following O(3) exposure in IL-6(-/-) mice. Increases in BALF neutrophils induced by O(3) (2 ppm for 3 h) were also significantly reduced in IL-6(-/-) vs. IL-6(+/+) mice. Airway responsiveness to methacholine was measured by whole body plethysmography before and following acute (3 h) or subacute (72 h) exposure to 0.3 ppm O(3). Acute O(3) exposure caused AHR in both groups of mice, but there was no genotype-related difference in the magnitude of O(3)-induced AHR. AHR was absent in mice of either genotype exposed for 72 h. Our results indicate that IL-6 deficiency reduces airway neutrophilia, as well as the levels of BALF sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 following acute high dose and/or subacute low-dose O(3) exposure, but has no effect on O(3)-induced AHR.     

Quantification and speciation of mercury and selenium in fish samples of high consumption in Spain and Portugal

Mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) determinations were carried out to evaluate human exposure to those elements through fish consumption in Spain and Portugal. Atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS) was applied in a cold vapor mode for total mercury quantification and was also hyphenated to gas chromatography (GC) to achieve the speciation of organomercurial species in fish samples. The results obtained show the highest concentration of Hg in swordfish and tuna (0.47+/-0.02 and 0.31+/-0.01 microg g-1, respectively), and a much lower concentration in sardine, mackerel shad, and octopus (0.048+/-0.002, 0.033+/-0.001, and 0.024+/-0.001 microg g-1, respectively). The determination of alkyl mercury compounds revealed that 93-98% of mercury in the fish samples was in the organic form. Methylmercury (MeHg) was the only species found in the three fish species with higher mercury content.Total selenium concentration was high in sardine, swordfish, and tuna (0.43+/-0.02, 0.47+/-0.02, and 0.92+/-0.01 microg g-1, respectively), but low in mackerel shad and octopus (0.26+/-0.01 and 0.13+/-0.01 microg g-1, respectively). Speciation of selenium compounds was done by high-performance liquid chromatography in conjunction with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LC-ICP-MS). Selenomethionine (SeMet) was the only selenium compound identified in the fish samples with higher selenium content.Among the fish species studied, sardine had the most favourable Se:Hg and SeMet:MeHg molar ratios; therefore, its consumption seems to be preferable.     

Immunological parameters of Javanese carp Puntius gonionotus (Bleeker) exposed to copper and challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila.

This study was to determine the median lethal concentration (LC50) of copper to Javenese carp, Puntius gonionotus (Bleeker), and the immune response after the fish were exposed to sublethal levels of copper and challenged with formalin killed Aeromonas hydrophila. The LC50 of copper on P. gonionotus at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h were estimated as 2.17, 0.91, 0.57, 0.53 and 0.42 mg l(-1), respectively. To determine the effect of copper on the immune system, fish were exposed for 66 days to 0.05, 0.10 and 0.15 mg Cu l(-1). After 56 days of initial exposure to copper, fish were challenged with 0.1 ml of 4.5 x 10(5) cfu ml(-1) formalin killed A. hydrophila and maintained in the same concentration of copper. After the challenge, the immune response was monitored for 2 weeks using haematological and serological assays. During the initial phase of exposure to copper, significant changes were noted in the white blood cell, lysozyme, potential killing activity, total plasma protein, total immunoglobulin and haematocrit levels between the control and treated fish. One week after challenge with A. hydrophila, there was a significant increase in the values of white blood cells, total protein and total immunoglobulin compared to the values before the challenge. However, these values were not significantly different (P>0.05) between the control and the treated fish. In contrast, NBT and lysozyme assays exhibited a significant difference (P<0.05) in fish exposed to 0.10 mg Cu l(-1) (0.525 +/- 0.17; 24.42 +/- 3.35 x 10(2) micromg ml(-1)) and 0.15 mg Cu 1(-1) (0.536 +/- 0.19; 21.78 +/- 1.29 x 10(2) micromg ml(-1)) compared to the control (0.746 +/- 0.31; 30.73 +/- 5.42 x 10(2) micromg ml(-1)) after the bacterial challenge (day 61). There was however no significant difference (P>0.05) in NBT and lysozyme levels in fish exposed to lower level of copper (0.05 mg Cu l(-1)), suggesting the absence of immunosuppressive effects at lower level of exposure.     

Respiration and oxygen transport functions of the blood from an intertidal fish,Helcogramma medium (Tripterygiidae)

Synopsis Aquatic and aerial oxygen uptake (̇O₂), ventilation frequency, and oxygen transport properties of the blood were determined for the intertidal fish Helcogramma medium. Ventilation frequency increased in response to decreased environmental PO₂ and aquatic ̇O₂ was maintained down to a critical PO₂ of 30–40 mm Hg. Below PO₂ 30 mm Hg fish intermittently gulped air and finally emerged into air at PO₂ 18 mm Hg. After 1 h exposure to air ̇O₂ decreased to 60% of the aquatic rate and this was accompanied by an increase in blood lactate. Aerobic expansibility was reduced in air (×1.2) compared to water (× 5.5). The Hb concentration was 0.47 ± 0.13 mmol 1^–1 and hematocrit 11.55 ± 3.61% indicating a moderate O₂-carrying capacity. Oxygen affinity was not especially high (P₅₀ = 19 mm Hg at pH 7.7 and 15°C) and ATP was the predominant acid-soluble phosphate regulating P₅₀. The equilibrium curve was essentially hyperbolic (Hill's n = 1.2) with a marked Bohr effect = –1.06) and Root effect (saturation depressed by 50% at pH7.1). The pattern of respiration and the respiratory properties of the blood together with observations of the behaviour of the fish during aerial exposure indicated that Helcogramma is adapted to living in a well-aerated environment yet can adequately tolerate short term exposure to low aquatic PO₂ or air.     

Comparative study on the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity in the freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio by mercury and zinc.

The effects of sublethal concentrations of mercury (0.1mg/l) and zinc (6 mg/l) on acetylcholinesterase activity and acetylcholine content of gill, kidney, intestine, brain, liver and muscle of the freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio at 1, 15 and 30 days of exposure were studied. A significant suppression in acetylcholinesterase activity was recorded in all the organs from both mercury and zinc intoxicated fish at all the exposure periods. Concurrently, a significant increase in the content of acetylcholine in the organs was observed. These changes observed in the organs of mercury treated fish in different exposure periods were in the order 1 greater than 15 less than 30 days and in zinc treated fish 1 greater than 15 greater than 30 days. Further, these changes were greater in magnitude in the brain, liver and muscle (non-osmoregulatory organs) than in the gill, kidney and intestine (osmoregulatory organs) in both metal media.     

Physiological performance of juvenile southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma (Jordan and Gilbert, 1884), in chronic and episodic hypoxia

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is proving to be one of the most important abiotic factors determining growth and survival of juvenile estuarine fish. In shallow, throughout estuarine systems, low DO can occur in two broad categories: a diel oscillating pattern resulting in repeated nocturnal hypoxia due to the photosynthesis-respiration cycle of algal populations, or as prolonged bottom water hypoxia or anoxia caused by stratification. A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to characterize the physiological performance of juvenile southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma, (55-65 mm TL) exposed to four treatments of DO: (1) constant normoxia (6.50+/-0.50 mg O(2) l(-1)), (2) constant hypoxia (2.79+/-0.19 mg O(2) l(-1)), (3) constant intermediate hypoxia (4.74+/-0.18 mg O(2) l(-1)), and (4) an oscillating oxygen environment cycling dielly between the normoxic and hypoxic levels (2.8-6.2 mg O(2) l(-1), daily mean=4.40 mg O(2) l(-1)). Routine respiration was positively correlated with DO level and increased significantly during the day in the oscillating treatment in response to increasing DO. Ventilation rates were negatively correlated with the DO level in the constant treatments and increased significantly at night in the oscillating treatment in response to nocturnal hypoxia. Similarly, hematocrit levels were negatively related to DO levels in the constant treatments after 5 and 26 days of exposure to the treatments. Hematocrit levels also increased significantly the oscillating treatment, apparently in response to the episodic nocturnal hypoxia. Growth was significantly reduced in the 2.8 mg O(2) l(-1) treatment and the oscillating treatment but not in the 4.7 mg O(2) l(-1) treatment. Acclimation was evident by an increase in growth rates from week 2 to week 3 and a decrease in hematocrit levels between 5 and 26 days of exposure in the 2.7 and 4.5 mg O(2) l(-1) treatments but was not evident in the normoxic or oscillating treatments. These results suggest that a juvenile fish must remain in even moderately low DO in order for acclimation to occur. The research presented demonstrates that correctly assessing habitat quality in terms of DO requires knowledge of a fish's physiological and environmental history.     

Effects of parabolic flight on abdominal arterial pressure in conscious rats.

Abdominal arterial pressure during parabolic flight was measured using a telemetry system to clarify the acute effect of microgravity on hemodynamics in conscious rats. The microgravity condition was elicited by three different levels of entry gravity, i.e. 2 G, 1.5 G and 1 G. On exposure to 2 G, mean aortic pressure (MBP) increased up to 118.7 mm Hg +/- 7.3 compared with the value at 1 G (107.0 +/- 6.3 mm Hg, n=6). The value at microgravity preceded by 2 G was 118.0 mmHg +/- 5.2 mm HG and it was still higher than at 1 G. When 1.5 G was elicited before microgravity exposure, MBP also increased (1.5 G: 114.9 +/- 5.3 vs 1 G: 105.8+/-5.0 mm Hg) and the value at microgravity was 117.3 + /- 5.3 mmHg. During pre-microgravity maneuver with 1 G, no changes were observed compared with the control level at 1 G (pre-microgravity: 105.0 +/- 5.0 vs 1G: 104.8 +/- 5.1 mm Hg ), whereas the MBP increased up to 117.0 +/- 6.5 mm Hg on exposure to microgravity. From these results, we found that in conscious rat MBP increase during acute microgravity exposure with either 1 G or hyper-G entry.     

Changes of C-reactive protein levels in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sera after exposure to anti-ectoparasitic chemicals used in aquaculture

Changes of serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were studied after exposure to formalin, metriphonate or potassium permanganate, which are used in aquaculture as anti-ectoparasitic chemicals. The CRP level in normal trout sera is 88+/-5 microg ml(-1) according to sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CRP levels increased to a maximum at six or nine days after exposure to formalin for 3.5 h at 300 ppm or 9.5 h at 30 ppm, respectively; these levels are 4.3 and 18 times higher than normal. At 18 days after treatment, the CRP level had decreased to significantly below the normal level. After exposure to metriphonate (0.4 ppm for 30 min), the CRP level increased significantly to a maximum at three days after exposure (9.9 times higher than normal), then decreased to below normal. With exposure to potassium permanganate at 40 ppm for 45 min, fish showed significantly lower CRP levels than the normal level at 14 days after exposure. Fish reared at a water temperature of 16.5-19.5 degrees C showed significantly higher CRP levels than those reared at 13 degrees C. Measurement of CRP levels in trout serum can be used as a bioindicator of the health condition of the fish.     

Does bradycardia or hypertension enhance gas transfer in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)?

Experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that branchial gas transfer is enhanced in rainbow trout during hypoxia or hypercarbia by bradycardia and systemic vasoconstriction. Gas transfer was indirectly assessed by continuous monitoring of arterial blood gases, PaO2 and PaCO2. Cardiac frequency was maximally decreased by 34.9+/-4.3 and 8.6+/-3.2 bpm in hypoxic and hypercarbic fish, respectively. Pre-treating fish with atropine (1micromol kg(-1)) attenuated or abolished the bradycardia during hypoxia and hypercarbia, respectively. However, there were no significant differences in the arterial blood gases between the control and atropinized fish. Dorsal aortic blood pressure was increased maximally by 11.3+/-2.8 and 17.7+/-2.0mm Hg in the hypoxic and hypercarbic fish. Pre-treatment of fish with prazosin (2.4micromol kg(-1)) prevented these increases in blood pressure. Blood gases were unaltered by prazosin treatment in the hypercarbic fish. However, in the hypoxic fish, gas transfer appeared to be impaired by prazosin on the basis of lowered PaO2 (by approximately 35 mm Hg compared to control fish) and increased PaCO2 (by approximately 0.3mm Hg). Because the normal hyperventilatory response to hypoxia was prevented by prazosin, it is possible that the impairment of gas transfer was related to inadequate ventilation rather than to any differences in the pressor response. The present results provide no evidence that gas transfer in rainbow trout is enhanced by bradycardia nor do they reveal any obvious benefit associated with the increases in blood pressure that accompany hypoxia and hypercarbia.     

Dietary Exposure of the Red-Crowned Crane (Grus japonensis) to Total and Methyl Mercury in Zhalong Wetland,Northeastern China

To determine the dietary exposure of the migratory red-crowned crane to mercury (Hg), this study analyzed the concentrations of total mercury (T-Hg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) in its prey, i.e., reeds and three aquatic animal families (Perccottus glenni Dybowski, Cybister japonicus Sharp, and Viviparidae) in northeastern China. Results indicated that the Hg concentration in Zhalong Wetland was elevated through the food chain, and the prey of the red-crowned crane contained measurable levels of T-Hg and MeHg. In prey tissues, MeHg was the main form of the Hg element and accounted for 61 % of total Hg concentration in Viviparidae, 58 % in C. japonicus Sharp, and 85 % in P. glenni Dybowski. The highest T-Hg and MeHg concentrations ranged from 1.66 to 3.89 ppm and from 1.12 to 2.67 ppm, respectively, and they were detected in the feathers of the red-crowned cranes. The lowest T-Hg concentration was determined in the excretions of wild red-crowned cranes at 0.21 ppm; furthermore, the content of MeHg was below the detection limit. In Zhalong Wetland, the level of dietary exposure of the population of red-crowned cranes to Hg is below the threshold of Hg toxicity. Moreover, eggshells are suitable indicators of Hg risk levels to the red-crowned crane.     

Ionic composition of endolymph and perilymph in the inner ear of the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau

The concentrations of free Na+, K+, Ca(+, and Cl(-)in endolymph and perilymph from the inner ear of the oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau, were measured in vivo using double-barreled ion-selective electrodes. Perilymph concentrations were similar to those measured in other species, while endolymph concentrations were similar to those measured previously in elasmobranch fish, though significantly different from concentrations reported in mammals. Perilymph concentrations (mean +/- std. dev.) were as follows: Na+, 129 mmol l(-1) +/- 20; K+, 4.96 mmol l(-1) +/- 2.67; Ca2+, 1.83 mmol l(-1) +/- 0.27; and Cl(-), 171 mmol l(-1) +/- 20. Saccular endolymph concentrations were Na+, 166 mmol l(-1) +/- 22; K+, 51.4 mmol l(-1) +/- 16.7; Ca2+, 2.88 mmol l(-1) +/- 0.27; and Cl(-), 170 mmol l(-1) +/- 12; and semicircular canal (utricular vestibule) endolymph concentrations were Na+, 122 mmol l(-1) +/- 15; K+, 47.7 mmol l(-1) +/- 13.2; Ca2+, 1.78 mmol l(-1) +/- 0.48; Cl(-), 176 mmol l(-1) +/- 27. The relatively high concentrations of Ca2+ and Na+ in the endolymph may have significant implications for the physiological function of the mechanoelectrical transduction channels in the vestibular hair cells of fish compared to those of their mammalian counterparts.     

Changes in pulsatile secretion patterns of LH, FSH, progesterone, androstenedione and oestradiol in cows after superovulation with PMSG

Six heifers were injected i.m. with 2500 i.u. PMSG followed by 15 mg prostaglandin 48 h later. Serial blood samples were collected through a catheter in the caudal vena cava every 10 min for 8 h on Day 10 (7 h after PMSG administration), during luteal regression (7 h after prostaglandin administration) and on the day thereafter. Four normally cyclic heifers served as a control group. Concentrations of progesterone, androstenedione, oestradiol, LH, FSH, and PMSG in the vena cava samples were measured and the frequency and amplitudes of episodic pulses of all hormones were estimated except for PMSG. Ovaries were collected by ovariectomy at 50 h after onset of luteal regression to determine the number of preovulatory follicles (non-atretic follicles greater than or equal to 10 mm). Stimulation of follicular growth by administration of PMSG resulted in the following effects on the secretion of steroids and endogenous gonadotrophins. (1) There were no alterations in progesterone concentration and the amplitude and frequency of episodic pulses. Mean (+/- s.e.m.) concentrations were 54.1 +/- 5.8, 19.1 +/- 3.1 and 3.4 +/- 0.9 nmol/l on Day 10 (L), during luteal regression (LR) and on the day thereafter (F) respectively. (2) There were no alterations in the episodic secretion patterns of androstenedione. Mean concentrations were 0.20 +/- 0.02, 0.15 +/- 0.02 and 0.11 +/- 0.02 nmol/l for the L, LR and F periods respectively. (3) There was an increase in oestradiol concentration from 17.1 +/- 3.0 pmol/l during the L period to 233.7 +/- 86.4 pmol/l during the F period. Pulse amplitude was enhanced compared to corresponding periods in control animals whereas pulse frequency remained the same. The oestradiol concentration was significantly correlated with the number of preovulatory follicles (r = 0.82, P less than 0.05). (4) There was a suppression of the frequency of episodic LH pulses (/8 h) during the LR (3.2 +/- 0.7) and F (4.3 +/- 0.4) periods compared to corresponding periods in control heifers (9.5 +/- 0.9 and 7.0 +/- 1.5 respectively). The preovulatory LH peak occurred earlier in 4 of 6 treated heifers. (5) There was a suppression of FSH concentrations, pulse amplitude and frequency during the LR and F (17.4 +/- 0.9 mg/l, 4.7 +/- 0.8 microgram/l and 7.5 +/- 0.4 pulses/8 h) periods compared to the corresponding F-period values (35.6 +/- 6.2 mg/l, 9.8 +/- 1.6 micrograms/l and 9.3 +/- 0.3 pulses/8 h) in control heifers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Toxic Effects of Paraquat on Cytokine Expression in Common Carp,Cyprinus carpio L.

In this study, the acute toxicity of paraquat (PQ) in common carp was determined. Then, the contents and mRNA levels of the cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were evaluated following subacute exposure to PQ. The results show that the LC₅₀ of PQ for common carp at 72 and 96 h was 15.962 and 15.106 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, after 7 days of subacute PQ exposure, the IL‐1β content in the fish liver and kidney increased, although it decreased in spleen. However, changes in the IFN‐γ content showed an irregular trend. The TNF‐α content increased in the liver and spleen but decreased in the kidney. Additionally, PQ exposure also induced alterations in the mRNA levels of IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α. These results suggest that PQ exposure may result in suppression or excessive activation of the immune system in treated fish and lead to immune dysfunction and reduced immunity.     

Effect of Added Heavy Metal Ions on Biotransformation and Biodegradation of 2-Chlorophenol and 3-Chlorobenzoate in Anaerobic Bacterial Consortia

The effect of added Cd(II), Cu(II), Cr(VI), or Hg(II) at 0.01 to 100 ppm on metabolism in anaerobic bacterial consortia which degrade 2-chlorophenol (2CP), 3-chlorobenzoate (3CB), phenol, and benzoate was examined. Three effects were observed, including extended acclimation periods (0.1 to 2.0 ppm), reduced dechlorination or biodegradation rates (0.1 to 2.0 ppm), and failure to dechlorinate or biodegrade the target compound (0.5 to 5.0 ppm). 3CB biodegradation was most sensitive to Cd(II) and Cr(VI). Biodegradation of benzoate and phenol was most sensitive to Cu(II) and Hg(II), respectively. Adding Cr(VI) at 0.01 ppm increased biodegradation rates of phenol (177%) and benzoate (169%), while Cd(II) and Cu(II) at 0.01 ppm enhanced biodegradation rates of benzoate (185%) and 2CP (168%), respectively. Interestingly, with Hg(II) at 1.0 to 2.0 ppm, 2CP and 3CB were biodegraded 133 to 154% faster than controls after an extended acclimation period, suggesting adaptation to Hg(II). Metal ions were added at inhibitory, but sublethal, concentrations to investigate effects on metabolic intermediates and end products. Phenol accumulated to concentrations higher than those in controls only in the 2CP consortium with added Cu(II) at 1.2 ppm but was subsequently degraded. There was no effect on benzoate, and little effect on acetate intermediates was observed. In most cases, methane yields were reduced by 23 to 97%. Thus, dehalogenation, aromatic degradation, and methanogenesis in these anaerobic consortia showed differential sensitivities to the heavy metal ions added. These data indicate that the presence of heavy metals can affect the outcome of anaerobic bioremediation of aromatic pollutants. In addition, a potential exists to use combinations of anaerobic bacterial species to bioremediate sites contaminated with both heavy metals and aromatic pollutants.     

Effects of methylmercury on epigenetic markers in three model species: Mink,chicken and yellow perch

We previously reported that methylmercury (MeHg) exposure is associated with DNA hypomethylation in the brain stem of male polar bears. Here, we conveniently use archived tissues obtained from controlled laboratory exposure studies to look for evidence that MeHg can disrupt DNA methylation across taxa. Brain (cerebrum) tissues from MeHg-exposed mink (Neovison vison), chicken (Gallus gallus) and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) were analyzed for total Hg levels and global DNA methylation. Tissues from chicken and mink, but not perch, were also analyzed for DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) activity. In mink we observed significant reductions in global DNA methylation in an environmentally-relevant dietary exposure group (1 ppm MeHg), but not in a higher group (2 ppm MeHg). DNMT activity was significantly reduced in all treatment groups. In chicken or yellow perch, no statistically significant effects of MeHg were observed. Dose-dependent trends were observed in the chicken data but the direction of the change was not consistent between the two endpoints. Our results suggest that MeHg can be epigenetically active in that it has the capacity to affect DNA methylation in mammals. The variability in results across species may suggest inter-taxa differences in epigenetic responses to MeHg, or may be related to differences among the exposure scenarios used as animals were exposed to MeHg through different routes (dietary, egg injection), for different periods of time (19–89 days) and at different life stages (embryonic, juvenile, adult).     

Influence of sodium selenite on203Hg absorption,distribution, and elimination in male mice exposed to methyl203Hg

To study the effects of long-term selenium supplementation on absorption, distribution, and elimination of methylmercury (MeHg) in mice, three groups of male mice (Balb/c CA) were exposed for 7 wk to 0, 0.6, and 3 ppm sodium selenite in tap water. They were then given a single oral dose of Me²⁰³Hg (2 μmol/kg) by gastric intubation, and elimination of²⁰³Hg was followed by whole-body counting for 49 d at the same Se exposure as previously. Twenty-four hours and 49 d after dosage, 6–7 animals/group were sampled for analysis of²⁰³Hg distribution in the body. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity in blood and selenium levels in the liver were used as measures of selenium status. Gastrointestinal absorption of Me²⁰³Hg was not influenced by the Se status of the animals. Selenium supplementation of MeHg-exposed mice caused an enhanced whole-body elimination of Hg, but selenium-supplemented animals did not have lower Hg levels in the brain and kidney than nonsupplemented animals. The effect of selenium on the accumulation, of Hg in the brain was dose-dependent, a high dose (3 ppm Se) causing a higher initial accumulation of Hg. The intracellular distribution of²⁰³Hg in the liver and kidney was not affected by Se. The results indicate that selenium treatment of MeHg-exposed mice may have a positive effection the health of the animals by decreasing the total body burden of MeHg.     

MERCURY INHIBITION ON PRIMARY PRODUCTIVITY USING LARGE VOLUME PLASTIC CHAMBERS IN SITU1

Approximately 6000 l of lake water was suspended in large, clear plastic chambers in Lake Powell, Arizona. The chambers were monitored during 24 h incubation periods in the spring and summer 1974 and 1975. Physico-chemical differences between the natural lake system and within the experimental chambers were negligible. Experimental mercury concentrations ranging from < 0.02 to 1.25 ppm were added to the chambers to determine the effect of elevated Hg concentrations on in situ primary production. Mercury concentrations were monitored in the water column of each chamber during each 24 h incubation period to determine absolute concentrations following reduction through adsorption, absorption and vaporization. At least a 40% reduction in photosynthetic activity occurred at Hg concentrations as low as 0.06 ppm. A toxic Hg threshold concentration of 0.06 ppm was demonstrated for the summer phytoplankton assemblage, but a distinct threshold concentration was absent for the spring diatom assemblage. Differences in spring and summer phytoplankton populations may suggest subtle differences in Hg sensitivity between phytoplankton assemblages in combination with temperature acting on total community metabolism.     

Bronchoconstriction in asthmatics exposed to sulfur dioxide during repeated exercise

Young male volunteers with mild asthma and hypersensitivity to methacholine were exposed for 75 min with natural breathing to 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 ppm SO2. Each exposure included three 10-min periods of moderate treadmill exercise (minute ventilation 21 l . m-2 . min-1, O2 consumption 25 ml . kg-1, and heart rate 120/min). Specific airway resistance (sRaw) was not significantly increased after exercise in 0.25 ppm SO2, relative to the control exposure (clean air). In 0.5 and 1.0 ppm SO2, sRaw was increased twofold and threefold above preexposure levels, respectively, corresponding to increases of 3.2 and 9.2 cmH2O . s in excess over the increases seen in clean air (P less than 0.001). There was a broad range of responses to exercise and SO2. The increases in sRaw after the second and third exercises were significantly less than after the first exercise. Respiratory impedance measured by forced random noise suggests that the induced bronchoconstriction was primarily associated with peripheral airways. These results confirm that mild asthmatics selected for methacholine sensitivity have as a group significant bronchoconstriction in response to short-term moderate exercise with natural breathing in 1.0 and 0.5 ppm SO2. In addition, the induced bronchoconstriction is decreased after short-term repeated exercise in SO2.