Effects of polychlorinated biphenyls on mourning dove reproduction and circulating progesterone levels

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987 · Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01698460· OSTI ID:5313129

Koval, P J; Peterle, T J; Harder, J D

PCBs acquired in sublethal doses increase activation of the liver's microsomal action and hepatic mixed function oxidase (MFO) enzymes. Physiological effects of increase in the MFO system may delay, if not eliminate, avian reproductive behavior and nesting success. No evidence is yet available to clearly link PCBs to lowered levels of circulating steroids in birds. However, data concerning the effects of PCBs on avian reproduction are abundant. Increased degradation of circulating steroids might alter essential hormone dynamics associated with nesting behavior and ovulation. Alternatively, normal feedback regulation by the pituitary-gonadal axis might lead to a full compensatory response to increased MFO such that hormone profiles remain unaltered, suggesting alternative modes of action for PCBs in reproductive disorders. Therefore, the authors investigated the effect of dietary PCBs on circulating progesterone levels prior to and during egg laying in wild-trapped mourning doves (Zenaida macroura).

• Research Organization: Ohio State Univ., Columbus (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5313129
• Journal Information: Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Vol. 39:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIRDS
BEHAVIOR
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
PROGESTERONE
BLOOD CHEMISTRY
DIET
EGGS
REPRODUCTION
ANIMALS
AROMATICS
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HORMONES
KETONES
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
PREGNANES
STEROID HORMONES
STEROIDS
VERTEBRATES
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology