Association of mercury and selenium with altered glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress in diving ducks from the San Francisco Bay region, USA
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD (United States)
- Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Davis, CA (United States). Coast Field Station
Adult male greater scaup (Aythya marila), surf scoters (Melanitta perspicillata), and ruddy ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) were collected from Suisun Bay and coastal Tomales Bay in the greater San Francisco Bay area to assess exposure to inorganic contaminants. Hepatic Se concentrations were highest in greater scaup and surf scoters in Suisun Bay, whereas hepatic Hg was highest in greater scaup and surf scoters from Tomales Bay. Hepatic Se and Hg were lower in ruddy ducks and did not differ between locations. Hepatic supernatants were assayed for enzymes related to glutathione metabolism and antioxidant activity, including glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH peroxidase), glutathione reductase (GSSG reductase), and glutathione-S-transferase (GSH transferase). Glutathione peroxidase activity was higher in surf scoters and ruddy ducks, and G-6-PDH was higher in greater scaup and surf scoters from Suisun Bay than Tomales Bay. Glutathione reductase (GSSG) was higher in SS from Suisun Bay. The ratio of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) to reduced glutathione (GSH) was greater in all species from Tomales Bay. The following significant relationships were found in one or more species with increasing hepatic Hg concentration; lower body, liver, and heart weights; decreased hepatic GSH concentration and G-6-PDH and GSH peroxidase activities; increased ratio of GSSG to GSH; and increased GSSG reductase activity. With increasing hepatic Se concentration, GSH peroxidase increased, but GSH decreased. It is concluded that measurement of associated enzymes in conjunction with thiol status may be a useful bioindicator to discriminate between Hg and Se effects. Concentrations of Hg and Se and the above variables affected have been associated with adverse effects on reproduction and neurological function in experimental studies with mallards.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 580745
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9604239-; ISSN 0730-7268; TRN: IM9807%%1
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 17, Issue 2; Conference: Wildlife Mercury Conference, Fairfax, VA (United States), 12-13 Apr 1996; Other Information: PBD: Feb 1998
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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