Fluorescent erythrocyte test for lead poisoning in waterfowl

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1971 · J. Wildl. Manage.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3799878· OSTI ID:6501929

Barrett, M W; Karstad, L H

Forty-five mallards (Anas platyhynchos) and 12 Canada geese (Branta canadensis) were experimentally poisoned with lead shot. Blood samples collected from poisoned and unexposed birds were subjected to blue-ultraviolet light of approximately 400 m..mu.. and examined microscopically for the presence of fluorescent erythrocytes. Some red fluorescence of erythrocytes was observed in all 64 blood samples drawn between 10 hours and 10 days postexposure from 27 of the poisoned mallards. Similarly, all 23 blood samples drawn between postexposure days 1 and 14, from the 12 poisoned Canada geese, contained unequivocally fluorescent erythrocytes. In general, after the first 3 to 9 days postexposure, the strength of the fluorescence progressively decreased, but still remained diagnostic at death for 19 of 20 mallards and for all 7 Canada geese that succumbed to lead poisoning. By comparison, 19 mallards that had recovered from lead toxicosis, 20 unexposed mallards, and 11 of 12 unexposed geese had no erythrocytes that fluoresced. The fluorescence probably resulted from increased erythrocyte protoporphyrin caused by elevated blood lead concentrations. The fluorescent erythrocyte test is a quick, simple test for lead poisoning in waterfowl and appears to be as reliable as some conventional techniques previously used. In addition, blood from live birds can be tested for the presence of fluorescent erythrocytes. This test can therefore be used in conjunction with banding programs to investigate the incidence of lead intoxication in waterfowl populations.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Guelph, Ontario
• OSTI ID: 6501929
• Journal Information: J. Wildl. Manage.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Wildl. Manage.; (United States) Vol. 35:1; ISSN JWMAA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560305 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology-- Vertebrates-- (-1987)
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS
BIRDS
BLOOD
BLOOD CELLS
BLOOD CHEMISTRY
BODY FLUIDS
DUCKS
ELEMENTS
ERYTHROCYTES
FLUORESCENCE
FOWL
GEESE
LEAD
LUMINESCENCE
MATERIALS
METALS
MONITORING
POISONING
VERTEBRATES