Brain lesions in mallard ducklings from parents fed methylmercury

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1976 · Avian Dis.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/1589469· OSTI ID:6498056

Heinz, G H; Locke, L N

Methylmercury dicyandiamide was fed to mallard ducks at 3 ppm mercury. Mercury accumulated in the eggs to an average of 7.18 and 5.46 ppm on a wet-weight basis in 2 successive years. Mercury in the eggs is believed to have caused brain lesions in the hatched ducklings. Lesions included demyelination, neuron shrinkage, necrosis, and hemorrhage in the meninges overlying the cerebellum. Brains of dead ducklings contained an average of 6.17 and 5.19 ppm mercury on a set-weight basis in 2 successive years.

• Research Organization: Fish and Wildlife Service, Laurel, MD
• OSTI ID: 6498056
• Journal Information: Avian Dis.; (United States), Journal Name: Avian Dis.; (United States) Vol. 20:1; ISSN AVDIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560305* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIRDS
BODY
BRAIN
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
DUCKS
EGGS
ELEMENTS
FOWL
INJURIES
MERCURY
MERCURY COMPOUNDS
METALS
METHYLMERCURY
NERVOUS SYSTEM
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC MERCURY COMPOUNDS
ORGANS
PROGENY
VERTEBRATES