Avian endocrine responses to environmental pollutants

Journal Article · Sat Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · J. Exp. Zool.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/jez.1402320337· OSTI ID:5632818

Rattner, B A; Eroschenko, V P; Fox, G A; Fry, D M; Gorsline, J

Many environmental contaminants are hazardous to populations of wild birds. Chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides and industrial pollutants are thought to be responsible for population declines of several species of predatory birds through eggshell thinning. Studies have demonstrated that these contaminants have estrogenic potency and may affect the functioning of the gonadal and thyroidal endocrine subsystems. Petroleum crude oil exerts toxicity externally, by oiling of plumage, and internally, by way of ingestion of oil while feeding or preening. Extensive ultrastructural damage to the inner zone of the adrenal, diminished adrenal responsiveness to adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and reduced corticosterone secretion rate suggest that low levels of plasma corticosterone reflect a direct effect of petroleum on the adrenal gland. Suppressive effects of oil on the ovary and decreases in circulating prolactin have been associated with impaired reproductive function. Large-scale field studies of free-living seabirds have confirmed some of the inhibitory effects of oil on reproduction that have been observed in laboratory studies. Organophosphorus insecticides, representing the most widely used class of pesticides in North America, have been shown to impair reproductive function, possibly by altering secretion of luteinizing hormone and progesterone. Relevant areas of future research on the effects of contaminants on avian endocrine function are discussed.

• Research Organization: Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, MD
• OSTI ID: 5632818
• Journal Information: J. Exp. Zool.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Exp. Zool.; (United States) Vol. 232:3; ISSN JEZOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020900* -- Petroleum-- Environmental Aspects
560305 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ADRENAL GLANDS
ANIMALS
AROMATICS
BIRDS
BODY
CHLORINATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
ENDOCRINE GLANDS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GLANDS
GONADS
HALOGENATED AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
HORMONES
INJURIES
MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES
ORGANIC CHLORINE COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PESTICIDES
PETROLEUM
REPRODUCTION
THYROID
TOXICITY
ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES
VERTEBRATES