EFFECTS OF LEAD SHOT INGESTION ON δ-AMINOLEVULINIC ACID DEHYDRATASE ACTIVITY, HEMOGLOBIN CONCENTRATION, AND SERUM CHEMISTRY IN BALD EAGLES

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Pb shot ingestion by bald eagles (H. leucocephalus) is considered to be widespread and has been implicated in the death of eagles in nature. It was recently demonstrated under experimental conditions that ingestion of as few as 10 Pb shots resulted in death within 12-20 days. Hematological responses to Pb toxicity including red blood cell ALAD [.delta.-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase] activity, Hb concentration and 23 different blood serum chemistries were examined in 5 captive bald eagles that were unsuitable for rehabilitation and release. Eagles were dosed by force-feeding with 10 Pb shots; they were redosed if regurgitation occurred. Red blood cell ALAD activity was inhibited by nearly 80% within 24 h when mean blood Pb concentration had increased to 0.8 ppm. By the end of 1 wk there was a significant decrease (20-25%) in hematocrit and Hb and mean blood Pb concentration was > 3 ppm. Within as little as 1-2 wk after dosing, significant elevations in serum creatinine and serum alanine aminotransferase occurred along with a significant decrease in the ratio of serum aspartic aminotransferase to serum alanine aminotransferase. Mean blood Pb concentration was > 5 ppm by the end of 2 wk. These changes in serum chemistry may be indicative of kidney and liver alterations.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: