Changes in Blood and Urine Composition from Feeding Polybrominated Biphenyls to Pregnant Holstein Heifers

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Abstract
The toxicity of a commercial preparation of polybrominated biphenyl was determined in 24 pregnant Holstein heifers that were allotted randomly to 1 of 4 experimental groups given 0 (I), 0.25 (II), 250 (III) and 25,000 (IV) mg/day of fireMaster BP-6 for 60 days or until the animals became moribund. Clinicopathologic determinations were on day -1 prior to dosing, days 15, 30 and 60 during dosing, and following dosing on days 80, 110, 150 and 190 from start of dosing. Samples were collected from moribund heifers of Group IV immediately prior to necropsy. Toxicity was not evident in heifers in Groups I, II or III. Toxicity was induced in heifers in Group IV. Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase increased and Ca decreased as early as day 15; significant increases in lactate dehydrogenase, urea N and bilirubin and decreases in albumin were not observed until day 30 in heifers of Group IV. Urine analysis from moribund heifers of Group IV revealed moderate proteinuria and decreased specific gravity. Apparently the polybrominated biphenyls fed were renal toxins with no clear evidence of hepatotoxicity.