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Zhao J, Kang M, Wu H, Sun B, Baele G, He WT, Lu M, Suchard MA, Ji X, He N, Su S, Veit M. Risk assessment of SARS-CoV-2 replicating and evolving in animals. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:79-92. [PMID: 37541811 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
The retransmissions of SARS-CoV-2 from several mammals - primarily mink and white-tailed deer - to humans have raised concerns for the emergence of a new animal-derived SARS-CoV-2 variant to worsen the pandemic. Here, we discuss animal species that are susceptible to natural or experimental infection with SARS-CoV-2 and can transmit the virus to mates or humans. We describe cutting-edge techniques to assess the impact of a mutation in the viral spike (S) protein on its receptor and on antibody binding. Our review of spike sequences of animal-derived viruses identified nine unique amino acid exchanges in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that are not present in any variant of concern (VOC). These mutations are present in SARS-CoV-2 found in companion animals such as dogs and cats, and they exhibit a higher frequency in SARS-CoV-2 found in mink and white-tailed deer, suggesting that sustained transmissions may contribute to maintaining novel mutations. Four of these exchanges, such as Leu452Met, could undermine acquired immune protection in humans while maintaining high affinity for the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. Finally, we discuss important avenues of future research into animal-derived viruses with public health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Kang
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Clinical Research Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyan Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bowen Sun
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guy Baele
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wan-Ting He
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Meng Lu
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Marc A Suchard
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomathematics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Xiang Ji
- Department of Mathematics, School of Science and Engineering, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Na He
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuo Su
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Michael Veit
- Institute for Virology, Center for Infection Medicine, Veterinary Faculty, Free University Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Skorupski J. Fifty Years of Research on European Mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761 Genetics: Where Are We Now in Studies on One of the Most Endangered Mammals? Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1332. [PMID: 33187363 PMCID: PMC7696698 DOI: 10.3390/genes11111332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to present the current state of knowledge about the genetics of European mink Mustela lutreola L., 1761, which is one of the most endangered mammalian species in the world. This article provides a comprehensive description of the studies undertaken over the last 50 years in terms of cytogenetics, molecular genetics, genomics (including mitogenomics), population genetics of wild populations and captive stocks, phylogenetics, phylogeography, and applied genetics (including identification by genetic methods, molecular ecology, and conservation genetics). An extensive and up-to-date review and critical analysis of the available specialist literature on the topic is provided, with special reference to conservation genetics. Unresolved issues are also described, such as the standard karyotype, systematic position, and whole-genome sequencing, and hotly debated issues are addressed, like the origin of the Southwestern population of the European mink and management approaches of the most distinct populations of the species. Finally, the most urgent directions of future research, based on the research questions arising from completed studies and the implementation of conservation measures to save and restore M. lutreola populations, are outlined. The importance of the popularization of research topics related to European mink genetics among scientists is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Skorupski
- Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, Adama Mickiewicza 16 St., 70-383 Szczecin, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-914-441-685
- Polish Society for Conservation Genetics LUTREOLA, Maciejkowa 21 St., 71-784 Szczecin, Poland
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Nan W, Li G, Si H, Lou Y, Wang D, Guo R, Zhang H. All-trans-retinoic acid inhibits mink hair follicle growth via inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of dermal papilla cells through TGF-β2/Smad2/3 pathway. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151603. [PMID: 33066831 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Dermal papilla cells (DPCs), an important component of hair follicles, its proliferation and apoptosis directly regulate and maintain the growth of hair follicles. All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) plays a critical role in hair growth. In this study, the effects of ATRA on cultured mink hair follicle growth were studied by administration of different concentrations of ATRA for 12 days in vitro. In addition, the proliferation and apoptosis of DPCs were measured after treating with ATRA. The mRNA and protein levels of hair follicle growth associated factor transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) and the phosphorylation levels of Smad2/3 were determined. Moreover, TGF-β type I and type II receptor inhibitor LY2109761 and specific inhibitor of Smad3 (SIS3) were administered to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. The results showed that ATRA inhibited hair follicle growth, promoted TGF-β2 expression and activated phosphorylation of Smad2/3. In addition, ATRA inhibited cell proliferation by arresting the cell cycle at G1 phase and induced apoptosis of DPCs by enhancing the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 and promoted the cleavage of caspase-3. Furthermore, LY2109761 or SIS3 partially reversed the decreased cell viability, increased apoptosis that were induced by ATRA. In conclusion, ATRA could inhibit hair follicle growth via inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of DPCs partially through the TGF-β2/Smad2/3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixiao Nan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Molecular Biology, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130112, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Molecular Biology, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130112, People's Republic of China
| | - Huazhe Si
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Molecular Biology, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130112, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Lou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, 130118, People's Republic of China.
| | - Dianyong Wang
- Changli Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Changli, Hebei, 066600, People's Republic of China
| | - Rui Guo
- Changli Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center, Changli, Hebei, 066600, People's Republic of China
| | - Haihua Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao, Hebei, 066004, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Molecular Biology, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, Jilin, 130112, People's Republic of China.
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4
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Elliott JE, Kirk DA, Martin PA, Wilson LK, Kardosi G, Lee S, McDaniel T, Hughes KD, Smith BD, Idrissi AM. Effects of halogenated contaminants on reproductive development in wild mink (Neovison vison) from locations in Canada. Ecotoxicology 2018; 27:539-555. [PMID: 29623614 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-018-1926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The concept of the Anthropocene, that humans are now re-engineering global ecosystems, is in part evidenced by the pervasive pollution by persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Certain POPs are hormone mimics and can disrupt endocrine and hence reproductive processes, shown mainly by laboratory studies with model species. There are, in contrast, fewer confirmations of such disruption from eco-epidemiological studies of wild mammals. Here we used the American mink (Neovison vison) as a sentinel species for such a study. Over the period 1998-2006, 161 mink carcasses were obtained from commercial trappers in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario. Mink were aged, sexed, measured, and body condition assessed. Livers were analyzed either individually or pooled for organochlorine (OC) pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and subsets for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). We primarily addressed whether contaminants affected male reproductive development by measuring baculum size and assessing the influences of age and body condition. We also considered the influence of spatial variation on relative exposure and size of baculum. Statistical models separated by age class revealed that significant relationships between baculum length or mass and juvenile mink were mostly positive, whereas for adults and first year mink they were mostly negative. A significant negative relationship for adult mink was determined between DDE and both baculum length and mass. For juvenile mink we found significant positive relationships between ∑PCBs, DDE and ∑PBDEs with baculum length. Our results provide some indication of negative effects of halogenated contaminants on male reproductive development in wild mink, and the most likely candidate chemical is the confirmed anti-androgenic compound, DDE, rather than PCBs or other compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Elliott
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Delta, BC, Canada.
| | - David Anthony Kirk
- Aquila Conservation & Environment Consulting, 75 Albert Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela A Martin
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Laurie K Wilson
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Gabriela Kardosi
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Sandi Lee
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Tana McDaniel
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | - Kimberley D Hughes
- Broadwing Biological Consulting, 1944 Parkside Drive, Pickering, ON, Canada
| | - Barry D Smith
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service, Delta, BC, Canada
| | - Abde Miftah Idrissi
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ecotoxicology and Wildlife Health Division, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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5
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Ma L, Evans RD, Wang W, Georg RB. In vivo fractionation of mercury isotopes in tissues of a mammalian carnivore (Neovison vison). Sci Total Environ 2018; 627:1228-1233. [PMID: 30857087 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.01.296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The use of isotope ratios to trace Hg contamination sources in environmental compartments is now generally accepted. However, for biota and especially for mammals, it is still unknown if and/or how Hg isotopes fractionate in vivo and which tissue is most representative of the source(s) of contamination. We measured fractionation of Hg in mink (Neovison vison) tissues (fur, brain, blood, liver, kidney) collected during a controlled feeding experiment where captive mink were fed differing amounts of methylmercury. There was no significant effect of dietary MeHg concentrations on Hg fractionation in most tissues. Net fractionation of Hg, i.e., fractionation corrected for diet (δ202Hgtissue-δ202Hgdiet) was observed in all tissues with the greatest net fractionation occurring in the mink liver (-1.39‰) and kidney (-0.95‰). Less net fractionation, occurred in the brain (-0.12‰), blood (0.38‰) and fur (0.30‰). In the absence of brain tissue, fur is a suitable proxy which is readily obtainable and can be non-lethally collected. In these mink, it appears that biochemical processes such as demethylation, contribute to significant fractionation of Hg in the liver and kidney, but not as much in the brain and fur, where transport of Hg via thiol-containing complexes may be more important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Ma
- Environment & Life Sciences Graduate Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - R Douglas Evans
- School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Wei Wang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
| | - R Bastian Georg
- Water Quality Centre, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
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6
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Martin PA, McDaniel TV, Hughes KD, Hunter B. Organochlorine contaminants in wild mink from the lower Great Lakes basin, Canada, 1998-2006. Environ Monit Assess 2017; 189:459. [PMID: 28823046 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-6154-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Organochlorine contaminants were measured in livers of wild mink (Neovison vison) trapped in the lower Great Lakes basin from 1998 to 2006. To assess exposure and potential risk in mink feeding on Great Lakes biota, concentrations of contaminants were compared in mink trapped within 7.8 km of the shoreline as well as at inland sites (i.e., 8-40 km). Overall, significant spatial variation in mean hepatic concentrations of sum PCBs and seven other organochlorines was found in mink from 13 Great Lakes sites, many of which are within the Great Lakes Areas of Concern. Mean sum PCB concentrations, on a lipid weight basis, ranged from 2 μg/g in mink from inland Lake Ontario sites to 44 μg/g in mink from western Lake Erie. Concentrations of other organochlorines in mink were generally low. Mink from western Lake Erie had the highest mean cumulative organochlorine burdens dominated largely by PCBs. A significant age effect was found with 1-year-old mink having significantly higher PCB burdens than mink less than 1 year in age. With respect to published PCB threshold effect concentrations, some mink exceeded those associated with effects on reproduction and survival as well as the presence of jaw lesions. This was most consistently found in western Lake Erie where the health of populations of wild mink may be adversely affected and where no mink 2 years of age or older were collected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela A Martin
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1, Canada.
| | - Tana V McDaniel
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Kimberley D Hughes
- Broadwing Biological Consulting, 1944 Parkside Drive, Pickering, Ontario, L1V 3N5, Canada
| | - Bruce Hunter
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
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7
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Ljungvall K, Magnusson U, Korvela M, Norrby M, Bergquist J, Persson S. Heavy metal concentrations in female wild mink (Neovison vison) in Sweden: Sources of variation and associations with internal organ weights. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017; 36:2030-2035. [PMID: 28000953 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The American mink is an invasive species in Sweden, and it is legally hunted all year. Therefore, the mink is well suited as a sentinel species for environmental monitoring. In the present study female mink (n = 91) from 6 different areas in Sweden were analyzed for the concentrations of silver, cadmium, mercury and lead in liver tissue using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The wet concentrations in liver tissue were 42.6 ± 52.7 ng/g for silver, 99.5 ± 100 ng/g for cadmium, 652 ± 537 ng/g for mercury, and 196 ± 401 ng/g for lead (expressed as mean ± standard deviation). There were associations between the sample area and the concentrations of silver, lead, and mercury. The concentrations of lead and cadmium varied with season of capture and lead, cadmium, and mercury were positively associated with increasing age. Relative liver weight was positively associated with concentrations of mercury and negatively associated with lead and cadmium. Relative kidney weight was negatively associated with lead concentrations. In summary, it is of importance to take age and season of capture into account when assessing levels of heavy metals in wild mink. Also, liver and kidneys seem to be potential targets for heavy metal toxicity in wild female mink in Sweden. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2030-2035. © 2016 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Ljungvall
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ulf Magnusson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marcus Korvela
- Department of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mattias Norrby
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Bergquist
- Department of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sara Persson
- Department of Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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8
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Bowman K, Rose J. Estradiol stimulates glycogen synthesis whereas progesterone promotes glycogen catabolism in the uterus of the American mink (Neovison vison). Anim Sci J 2017; 88:45-54. [PMID: 27170562 PMCID: PMC5107167 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glycogen synthesis by mink uterine glandular and luminal epithelia (GE and LE) is stimulated by estradiol (E2 ) during estrus. Subsequently, the glycogen deposits are mobilized to near completion to meet the energy requirements of pre-embryonic development and implantation by as yet undetermined mechanisms. We hypothesized that progesterone (P4 ) was responsible for catabolism of uterine glycogen reserves as one of its actions to ensure reproductive success. Mink were treated with E2 , P4 or vehicle (controls) for 3 days and uteri collected 24 h (E2 , P4 and vehicle) and 96 h (E2 ) later. To evaluate E2 priming, mink were treated with E2 for 3 days, then P4 for an additional 3 days (E2 →P4 ) and uteri collected 24 h later. Percent glycogen content of uterine epithelia was greater at E2 + 96 h (GE = 5.71 ± 0.55; LE = 11.54 ± 2.32) than E2 +24 h (GE = 3.63 ± 0.71; LE = 2.82 ± 1.03), and both were higher than controls (GE = 0.27 ± 0.15; LE = 0.54 ± 0.30; P < 0.05). Treatment as E2 →P4 reduced glycogen content (GE = 0.61 ± 0.16; LE = 0.51 ± 0.13), to levels not different from controls, while concomitantly increasing catabolic enzyme (glycogen phosphorylase m and glucose-6-phosphatase) gene expression and amount of phospho-glycogen synthase protein (inactive) in uterine homogenates. Interestingly, E2 →P4 increased glycogen synthase 1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and hexokinase 1mRNA and protein. Our findings suggest to us that while E2 promotes glycogen accumulation by the mink uterus during estrus and pregnancy, it is P4 that induces uterine glycogen catabolism, releasing the glucose that is essential to support pre-embryonic survival and implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kole Bowman
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA
| | - Jack Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID, USA
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9
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Ruiz-Suárez N, Melero Y, Giela A, Henríquez-Hernández LA, Sharp E, Boada LD, Taylor MJ, Camacho M, Lambin X, Luzardo OP, Hartley G. Rate of exposure of a sentinel species, invasive American mink (Neovison vison) in Scotland, to anticoagulant rodenticides. Sci Total Environ 2016; 569-570:1013-1021. [PMID: 27387798 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.06.109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are highly toxic compounds that are exclusively used for the control of rodent pests. Despite their defined use, they are nonetheless found in a large number of non-target species indicating widespread penetration of wildlife. Attempts to quantify the scale of problem are complicated by non-random sampling of individuals tested for AR contamination. The American mink (Neovison vison) is a wide ranging, non-native, generalist predator that is subject to wide scale control efforts in the UK. Exposure to eight ARs was determined in 99 mink trapped in NE Scotland, most of which were of known age. A high percentage (79%) of the animals had detectable residues of at least one AR, and more than 50% of the positive animals had two or more ARs. The most frequently detected compound was bromadiolone (75% of all animals tested), followed by difenacoum (53% of all mink), coumatetralyl (22%) and brodifacoum (9%). The probability of mink exposure to ARs increased by 4.5% per month of life, and was 1.7 times higher for mink caught in areas with a high, as opposed to a low, density of farms. The number of AR compounds acquired also increased with age and with farm density. No evidence was found for sexual differences in the concentration and number of ARs. The wide niche and dietary overlap of mink with several native carnivore species, and the fact that American mink are culled for conservation throughout Europe, suggest that this species may act as a sentinel species, and the application of these data to other native carnivores is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norberto Ruiz-Suárez
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yolanda Melero
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK; CREAF, Cerdanyola del Vallés 08193, Spain
| | - Anna Giela
- Pesticides & DWMB Branches, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh EH12 9FJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Luis A Henríquez-Hernández
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Elizabeth Sharp
- Pesticides & DWMB Branches, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh EH12 9FJ, Scotland, UK
| | - Luis D Boada
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Michael J Taylor
- Pesticides & DWMB Branches, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh EH12 9FJ, Scotland, UK
| | - María Camacho
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Xavier Lambin
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, Scotland, UK
| | - Octavio P Luzardo
- Toxicology Unit, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Gill Hartley
- Pesticides & DWMB Branches, Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture, Roddinglaw Road, Edinburgh EH12 9FJ, Scotland, UK.
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10
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Folland WR, Newsted JL, Fitzgerald SD, Fuchsman PC, Bradley PW, Kern J, Kannan K, Zwiernik MJ. Enzyme induction and histopathology elucidate aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated versus non-aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated effects of Aroclor 1268 in American mink (Neovison vison). Environ Toxicol Chem 2016; 35:619-634. [PMID: 26267837 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations reported in preferred prey and blubber of bottlenose dolphins from the Turtle-Brunswick River estuary (Georgia, USA) suggest the potential for adverse effects. However, PCBs in Turtle-Brunswick River estuary dolphins are primarily derived from Aroclor 1268, and predicting toxic effects of Aroclor 1268 is uncertain because of the mixture's unique composition and associated physiochemical characteristics. These differences suggest that toxicity benchmarks for other PCB mixtures may not be relevant to dolphins exposed to Aroclor 1268. American mink (Neovison vison) were used as a surrogate model for cetaceans to characterize mechanisms of action associated with Aroclor 1268 exposure. Mink share similarities in phylogeny and life history with cetaceans and are characteristically sensitive to PCBs, making them an attractive surrogate species for marine mammals in ecotoxicity studies. Adult female mink and a subsequent F1 generation were exposed to Aroclor 1268 through diet, and effects on enzyme induction, histopathology, thyroid hormone regulation, hematology, organ weights, and body condition index were compared to a negative control and a 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126)-positive control. Aroclor 1268 dietary exposure concentrations ranged from 1.8 µg/g wet weight to 29 µg/g wet weight. Anemia, hypothyroidism, and hepatomegaly were observed in mink exposed to Aroclor 1268 beyond various dietary thresholds. Cytochrome P450 induction and squamous epithelial proliferation jaw lesions were low in Aroclor 1268 treatments relative to the positive control. Differences in enzyme induction and the development of squamous epithelial proliferation jaw lesions between Aroclor 1268 treatments and the positive control, coupled with effects observed in Aroclor 1268 treatments not observed in the positive control, indicate that mechanisms additional to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated pathway are associated with Aroclor 1268 exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Folland
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - John L Newsted
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Scott D Fitzgerald
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Diagnostic Center for Population and Environmental Health, Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Patrick W Bradley
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - John Kern
- KERN Statistical Services, St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | - Matthew J Zwiernik
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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11
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Folland WR, Newsted JL, Fitzgerald SD, Fuchsman PC, Bradley PW, Kern J, Kannan K, Remington RE, Zwiernik MJ. Growth and reproductive effects from dietary exposure to Aroclor 1268 in mink (Neovison vison), a surrogate model for marine mammals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016; 35:604-618. [PMID: 26313468 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from the commercial mixture Aroclor 1268 were historically released into the Turtle-Brunswick River estuary (southeastern Georgia, USA) from industrial operations. Sum PCBs (ΣPCBs) in blubber samples from Turtle-Brunswick River estuary bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have been reported at concentrations more than 10-fold higher than those observed in dolphins from adjacent regional estuaries. Given that toxicity data specific to Aroclor 1268 and applicable to marine mammals are limited, predicting the toxic effects of Aroclor 1268 in dolphins is uncertain, particularly because of its unique congener profile and associated physiochemical characteristics compared with other PCB mixtures. American mink (Neovison vison) were chosen as a surrogate model for cetaceans to develop marine mammalian PCB toxicity benchmarks. Mink are a suitable surrogate species for cetaceans in toxicity studies because of similarities in diet and taxonomic class, and a characteristic sensitivity to PCBs provides a potential safety factor when using mink toxicology data for cross-species extrapolations. Effects of dietary exposure to Aroclor 1268 on reproduction, growth, and mortality in mink were compared with both a negative control and a positive control (3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl, PCB 126). Aroclor 1268 dietary ΣPCB concentrations ranged from 1.8 µg/g feed wet weight to 29 µg/g feed wet weight. Whelp success was unaffected by Aroclor 1268 exposure at any level. Treatment mean litter size, kit growth, and kit survival were adversely affected relative to the negative control at dietary ΣPCB concentrations of 10.6 µg/g feed wet weight and greater.
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Affiliation(s)
- William R Folland
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - John L Newsted
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Scott D Fitzgerald
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Diagnostic Center for Population and Environmental Health, Michigan State University, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | | | - Patrick W Bradley
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - John Kern
- KERN Statistical Services, St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, and Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | - Matthew J Zwiernik
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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12
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Evans RD, Hickie B, Rouvinen-Watt K, Wang W. Partitioning and kinetics of methylmercury among organs in captive mink (Neovison vison): A stable isotope tracer study. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 42:163-169. [PMID: 26855415 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2016.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the importance of methylmercury (MeHg) as a neurotoxin, we have relatively few good data on partitioning and kinetics of MeHg among organs, particularly across the blood-brain barrier, for mammals that consume large quantities of fish. The objective of this study was to determine the partition coefficients between blood and brain, liver and kidney and fur for MeHg under steady-state conditions and to measure the half-lives for MeHg in these organs. Captive mink (Neovison vison) were fed a diet enriched with two stable isotopes of Hg, Me(199)Hg and Me(201)Hg for a period of 60 days. After a period of 10 days the diet was changed to contain only Me(201)Hg so that, between days 10 and 60, we were able to measure both uptake and elimination rates from blood, brain, liver kidney and fur. Liver and kidney response was very rapid, closely following changes in blood concentrations but there was a small lag time between peak blood concentrations and peak brain concentrations. Half-lives for MeHg were 15.4, 10.2 and 13.4 days for brain, liver and kidney, respectively. There was no measurable conversion of the MeHg to inorganic Hg (IHg) in the brain over the 60 day period, unlike in liver and kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Douglas Evans
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada; Water Quality Centre, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada.
| | - Brendan Hickie
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
| | | | - Wei Wang
- School of the Environment, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
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13
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Evans RD, Grochowina NM, Basu N, O'Connor EM, Hickie BE, Rouvinen-Watt K, Evans HE, Chan HM. Uptake of selenium and mercury by captive mink: Results of a controlled feeding experiment. Chemosphere 2016; 144:1582-1588. [PMID: 26517385 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.09.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Revised: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Captive, juvenile, ranch-bred, male mink (Neovison vison) were fed diets containing various concentrations of methyl-mercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) for a period of 13 weeks and then sacrificed to determine total Hg levels in fur, blood, brain, liver and kidneys and total Se concentrations in brain tissue. As MeHg concentrations in the diet increased, concentrations of total Hg in the tissues also increased with the highest level occurring in the fur > liver = kidney > brain > blood. Concentrations of Hg in the fur were correlated (r(2) > 0.97) with liver, kidney, blood and brain concentrations. The addition of Se to the mink diet did not appear to affect most tissue concentrations of total Hg nor did it affect the partitioning of Hg between the liver:blood, kidney:blood and brain:blood; however, partitioning of Hg between fur and blood was apparently affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- R D Evans
- Environmental and Resource Science, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada; Water Quality Centre, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada.
| | - N M Grochowina
- Environmental and Resource Science, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - N Basu
- Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, MacDonald Stewart Building, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Rd., St Anne de Bellevue, QC, H9X 3V9, Canada.
| | - E M O'Connor
- Environmental and Resource Science, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada.
| | - B E Hickie
- Environmental and Resource Science, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - K Rouvinen-Watt
- Department of Plant and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, PO Box 55, Truro, NS, B2N 5E3, Canada.
| | - H E Evans
- Environmental and Resource Science, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada; Water Quality Centre, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, K9J 7B8, Canada
| | - H M Chan
- Community Health Program, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada.
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14
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Wirgin I, Maceda L, Waldman J, Mayack DT. Genetic variation and population structure of American mink Neovison vison from PCB-contaminated and non-contaminated locales in eastern North America. Ecotoxicology 2015; 24:1961-75. [PMID: 26374638 PMCID: PMC4662875 DOI: 10.1007/s10646-015-1533-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
American mink Neovison vison may be particularly vulnerable to toxicities of persistent contaminants such as PCBs because of their aquatic-based diet, position near the top of the food web, and small deme sizes. Furthermore, ranched mink are sensitive to reproductive toxicities of fish diets from PCB-polluted sites. The upper Hudson River is highly contaminated with PCBs and previous studies have shown elevated hepatic burdens of total and coplanar PCBs in mink collected near the river compared with those from more distant locales in New York and elsewhere. We hypothesized that bioaccumulation of PCBs in Hudson River mink has reduced their levels of genetic diversity or altered their genetic population structure. To address this, we conducted microsatellite DNA analysis on collections made in proximity to and from more distant locales in the Hudson River watershed, elsewhere in New York State, and at other sites in eastern North America including New Brunswick, four locales in Ontario, multiple drainages in Maine, and two ecoregions in Rhode Island. We did not find reduced genetic diversity at the individual or population levels in mink collected near (<6 km) to PCB hotspots in the Hudson River nor evidence of altered population structure. Consistent with their distribution in small localized and isolated demes, we did find significant genetic population structure among many mink collections in New York State and elsewhere. Depending on the analytical approach used, genetically distinct populations numbered between 16 when using STRUCTURE to 19-20 when using Exact G tests, F ST, or AMOVA analyses. Genetically distinct population units were found among major ecoregions and minor ecoregions in New York State, among different hydrologic subunits within the Hudson River watershed, among spatially separate locales in Ontario, and among most watersheds in Maine. However, despite this localization and potential heightened impact of stressors, genetic diversity and genetic population structure in mink does not seem to be affected by their bioaccumulation of high levels of PCBs of Hudson River origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Wirgin
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY, 10987, USA.
| | - Lorraine Maceda
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY, 10987, USA
| | - John Waldman
- Biology Department, Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, Flushing, NY, 11367, USA
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15
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Persson S, Magnusson U. Environmental pollutants and alterations in the reproductive system in wild male mink (Neovison vison) from Sweden. Chemosphere 2015; 120:237-45. [PMID: 25103085 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The wild American mink, a semi-aquatic top predator, is exposed to high levels of environmental pollutants that may affect its reproductive system. In this study, the reproductive organs from 101 wild male mink collected in Sweden were examined during necropsy. Potential associations between various variables of the reproductive system and fat concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) and other organochlorine pesticides and liver concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) were investigated using multiple regression models. The anogenital distance was negatively associated (p<0.05) with concentration of p,p'-DDE and some PFAAs (perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) and ∑PFAA). Penis length was positively associated with PCB 28, PCB 47/48, PCB 52 and PCB 110 (p<0.05), and some of these congeners were also associated with baculum length and penis weight. In contrast, penile length tended (p<0.1) to be shorter in mink with high concentrations of p,p'-DDE. These data may help to improve the understanding of how environmental pollution affects male reproduction in both wildlife and humans. Overall, the study suggests endocrine disrupting effects in wild mink and identifies potentially important pollutants in the complex mixture of contaminants in the environment. In addition, the results suggest that the variables of the reproductive system of male mink used in this study are good candidates for use as indicators of environmental pollution affecting the mammalian reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Persson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Ulf Magnusson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7054, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
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16
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Wu X, Liu Z, Zhang T, Yang Y, Yang F, Gao X. Effects of dietary copper on nutrient digestibility, tissular copper deposition and fur quality of growing-furring mink (Mustela vison). Biol Trace Elem Res 2014; 158:166-75. [PMID: 24668161 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-014-9933-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of dietary copper (Cu) on growth performance and fur quality in growing-furring minks. One hundred and five standard dark female minks were randomly assigned to seven groups with the following dietary treatments: basal diet with no supplemental Cu (control) and basal diet supplemented with either 6, 12, 24, 48, 96 or 192 mg/kg Cu from copper sulphate, respectively. Our data showed that final body weight (P = 0.033), daily gain (P = 0.029) and fat digestibility (P = 0.0006) responded to increasing levels of Cu. The activity of glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) in serum increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) as Cu increased in the diet. Increasing Cu improved total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) (quadratic, P < 0.05). The level of ceruloplasmin (CER) responded in a linear (P < 0.0001) and quadratic (P < 0.0001) form with increasing level of Cu. Colour intensity of those minks pelted suggested that relatively high levels of supplemental Cu have a beneficial effect on intensifying hair colour of dark mink but did not affect leather thickness. Liver Cu and plasma Cu concentrations of the mink linearly (P < 0.0001) responded to increasing levels of Cu. Our results indicate that growing-furring mink can efficiently utilize added dietary fat and that Cu plays an important role in the digestion of dietary fat in growing-furring mink, and supplemental dietary Cu in growing-furring mink promotes fat digestion and improve hair colour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhuang Wu
- Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
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17
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Persson S, Rotander A, Kärrman A, van Bavel B, Magnusson U. Perfluoroalkyl acids in subarctic wild male mink (Neovison vison) in relation to age, season and geographical area. Environ Int 2013; 59:425-30. [PMID: 23928036 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2013.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2013] [Revised: 06/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of biological and environmental factors on the concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in a top predator; the American mink. Perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) with C8-C13 perfluorinated carbon chains were analyzed in livers from wild male mink liver (n=101) from four areas in Sweden representing two inland environments (rural and highly anthropogenic, respectively) and two different coastal environments. Mean PFOS concentrations were 1250ng/g wet weight and some mink from the urban inland area had among the highest PFOS concentrations ever recorded in mink (up to 21 800ng/g wet weight). PFBS was detected in 89% of the samples, but in low concentrations (mean 0.6ng/g ww). There were significant differences in PFAA concentrations between the geographical areas (p<0.001-0.01). Age, body condition and body weight did not influence the concentrations significantly, but there was a seasonal influence on the concentrations of perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively), with lower concentrations in autumn samples than in samples taken in the winter and spring. It is thus recommended to take possible seasonal differences into account when using mink exposure data. The overall results suggest that the mink is a suitable sentinel species for assessing and monitoring environmental levels of PFAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Persson
- Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, PO Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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18
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Bursian SJ, Kern J, Remington RE, Link JE, Fitzgerald SD. Dietary exposure of mink (Mustela vison) to fish from the upper Hudson River, New York, USA: effects on reproduction and offspring growth and mortality. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013; 32:780-793. [PMID: 23293094 DOI: 10.1002/etc.2110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The effects of feeding farm-raised mink (Mustela vison) diets containing polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated fish from the upper Hudson River (New York, USA) on adult reproductive performance and kit growth and mortality were evaluated. Diets contained 2.5 to 20% Hudson River fish, providing 0.72 to 6.1 µg ∑PCBs/g feed (4.8-38 pg toxic equivalents [TEQWHO 2005 ]/g feed). The percentage of stillborn kits per litter was significantly increased by dietary concentrations of 4.5 µg ∑PCBs/g feed (28 pg TEQWHO 2005 /g feed) and greater. All offspring exposed to dietary concentrations of 4.5 and 6.1 µg ∑PCBs/g feed (28 and 38 pg TEQWHO 2005 /g feed) died by 10 weeks of age, and all offspring exposed to 1.5 and 2.8 µg ∑PCBs/g feed (10 and 18 pg TEQWHO 2005 /g feed) died by 31 weeks of age, leaving juveniles in the control and 0.72 µg ∑PCBs/g feed (0.41- and 4.8 pg TEQWHO 2005 /g feed) groups only. The dietary concentration predicted to result in 20% kit mortality (LC20) at six weeks of age was 0.34 µg ∑PCBs/g feed (2.6 pg TEQWHO 2005 /g feed). The corresponding maternal hepatic concentration was 0.80 µg ∑PCBs/g liver, wet weight (13 pg TEQWHO 2005 /g liver, wet wt). Mink residing in the upper Hudson River would be expected to consume species of fish that contain an average of 4.0 µg ∑PCBs/g tissue. Thus, a daily diet composed of less than 10% Hudson River fish could provide a dietary concentration of ∑PCBs that resulted in 20% kit mortality in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Bursian
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.
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19
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Persson S, Rotander A, van Bavel B, Brunström B, Bäcklin BM, Magnusson U. Influence of age, season, body condition and geographical area on concentrations of chlorinated and brominated contaminants in wild mink (Neovison vison) in Sweden. Chemosphere 2013; 90:1664-1671. [PMID: 23141558 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.09.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2011] [Revised: 07/17/2012] [Accepted: 09/10/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The wild mink has gained acceptance as a sentinel species in environmental monitoring. However, only limited data are available in the literature on factors driving variability in concentrations of organic pollutants in this species. This study characterizes the differences in contaminant concentrations in subcutaneous fat of male mink from four different areas in Sweden and demonstrates how age, season and body condition influence concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners (including methoxylated forms, MeO-PBDEs), as well as the pesticides dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), chlordane and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). The data were statistically treated using multiple regression and principal component analysis. The ∑PCB concentration and concentrations of PCB congeners 138, 156, 157, 180, 170/190, 189, 194, 206, 209 as well as PBDE 153/154 varied with age. Season had an influence on ∑PCB, PBDE 47 and PBDE 153/154 concentrations, as well as concentrations of most PCB congeners, with the exception of PCB 101, 110, 141 and 182/187. Lean mink had higher concentrations of most PCBs and PBDEs than mink with larger fat depots. The analyzed pesticides (DDE, oxychlordane, HCB) showed no systematic variation with season, age or body condition. The concentrations of MeO-PBDEs were generally low and 6MeO-PBDE 47 was the most commonly detected MeO-PBDE in mink from marine, brackish and freshwater areas. The results indicate that age, season and body condition are factors that may influence the concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs, and it is thus recommended to take these factors into account when analyzing mink exposure data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Persson
- Division of Reproduction, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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20
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Bursian SJ, Moore J, Newsted JL, Link JE, Fitzgerald SD, Bello N, Bhat VS, Kay D, Zhang X, Wiseman S, Budinsky RA, Giesy JP, Zwiernik MJ. Incidence of jaw lesions and activity and gene expression of hepatic P4501A enzymes in mink (Mustela vison) exposed to dietary 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran, and 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran. Environ Toxicol Chem 2012; 31:2545-2556. [PMID: 22865772 DOI: 10.1002/etc.1975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2012] [Revised: 04/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF), and 2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) on the incidence of jaw lesions and on hepatic cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) endpoints in mink (Mustela vison). Adult female mink were assigned randomly to one of 13 dietary treatments (control and four increasing doses of TCDD, PeCDF, or TCDF) and provided spiked feed for approximately 150 d (60 d prior to breeding through weaning of offspring at 42 d post-parturition). Offspring were maintained on their respective diets for an additional 150 d. Activity of hepatic CYP1A enzymes in adult and juvenile mink exposed to TCDD, PeCDF, or TCDD was generally greater compared with controls, but changes in other CYP1A endpoints were less consistent. Histopathology of the mandible and maxilla of juvenile mink suggested a dose-related increase in the incidence of jaw lesions. The dietary effective doses (ED) for jaw lesions in 50% of the population (ED50) were estimated to be 6.6, 14, and 149 ng/kg body weight (bw)/d for TCDD, PeCDF, and TCDF, respectively. The relative potencies of PeCDF and TCDF compared with TCDD based on ED10, ED20, and ED50 values ranged from 0.5 to 1.9 and 0.04 to 0.09, respectively. These values are within an order of magnitude of the World Health Organization toxic equivalency factor (TEF(WHO)) values of 0.3 and 0.1 for PeCDF and TCDF, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven J Bursian
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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21
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Kalisinska E, Budis H, Lanocha N, Podlasinska J, Jedrzejewska E, Kosik-Bogacka DI. Comparison of hepatic and nephric total mercury concentrations between feral and ranch American mink (Neovison vison) from northwestern Poland. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2012; 88:802-6. [PMID: 22358114 PMCID: PMC3319894 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-012-0555-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
For many years the American mink (Neovison vison) has been used in North America (where it originates from) as a sensitive indirect bioindicator in assessing the degree of mercury (Hg) contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. The aim of this paper was the determination of total concentrations of Hg in the liver and kidneys of feral and ranch mink from the Warta Mouth National Park (WMNP) and from farms located in northwestern Poland, for comparison with similar data on American mink from North America. In road-killed feral mink from the WMNP, the mean concentrations were 11.8 and 14.1 mg/kg dry weight in the liver and kidney, respectively. Mean Hg concentrations in feral mink were from 240 to 90 times higher in these two respective tissues than in ranch mink. The feral mink from northwestern Poland had concentrations of hepatic and nephric Hg similar to the highest concentrations that have been recorded over the past several decades in wild American mink from certain areas of Canada and the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elzbieta Kalisinska
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Halina Budis
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Natalia Lanocha
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Podlasinska
- Department of Environmental Management and Protection, Western Pomeranian University of Technology, Słowackiego 17, 71-374 Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Danuta I. Kosik-Bogacka
- Department of Biology and Medical Parasitology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powstancow Wielkopolskich 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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22
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Bowman J, Kidd AG, Martin PA, McDaniel TV, Nituch LA, Schulte-Hostedde AI. Testing for bias in a sentinel species: contaminants in free-ranging domestic, wild, and hybrid mink. Environ Res 2012; 112:77-82. [PMID: 22130127 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2011.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Revised: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 11/07/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Sentinel species are important tools for studies of biodiversity and environmental health. The American mink (Neovison vison) has long been considered a sentinel of environmental contamination, since the species is known to be sensitive to a number of common contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and mercury. Mink may not always satisfy an important criterion of sentinels however--that they are continuous residents of the environment being sampled. This is because domestic mink commonly escape from farms, and can be confused with wild mink in areas where mink ranching is prevalent, biasing estimates of environmental contamination taken from free-ranging mink samples. We tested for bias in a sample of free-ranging mink from Ontario, Canada, where both genetic ancestry (domestic, wild, and domestic-wild hybrid) and contaminant burdens (PCBs and mercury) were known. Of 133 mink sampled for both contaminants and genetic ancestry, 9% were determined to be domestic and 10.5% hybrid animals. We found that including domestic and hybrid mink in our analysis resulted in overestimating mean PCB burdens in wild mink by 27%, and underestimating mercury by 13%. We also investigated morphological methods to aid in excluding domestic mink from free-ranging mink samples and found that we had the highest classification success using skull size (condylobasal length), which was 15% and 12% greater in male and female domestic than wild mink, respectively. Given the potential use of mink as sentinels, and also the potential for bias, we recommend that researchers take steps to exclude domestic mink from free-ranging mink samples in studies of environmental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Bowman
- Wildlife Research & Development Section, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Trent University DNA Building, 2140 East Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 7B8.
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Elmeros M, Christensen TK, Lassen P. Concentrations of anticoagulant rodenticides in stoats Mustela erminea and weasels Mustela nivalis from Denmark. Sci Total Environ 2011; 409:2373-8. [PMID: 21477845 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2010] [Revised: 03/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/09/2011] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Anticoagulant rodenticides are widely used to control rodent populations but they also pose a risk of secondary poisoning in non-target predators. Studies on anticoagulant rodenticide exposure of non-target species have mainly reported on frequency of occurrence. They have rarely analyzed variations in residue concentrations. We examine the occurrence and concentrations of five anticoagulant rodenticides in liver tissue from 61 stoats (Mustela erminea) and 69 weasels (Mustela nivalis) from Denmark. Anticoagulant rodenticides were detected in 97% of stoats and 95% of weasels. 79% of the animals had detectable levels of more than one substance. Difenacoum had the highest prevalence (82% in stoats and 88% in weasels) but bromadiolone was detected in the highest concentrations in both stoat (1.290 μg/g ww) and weasel (1.610 μg/g ww). Anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations were highest during autumn and winter and varied with sampling method. Anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations were higher in stoats and weasels with unknown cause of death than in specimens killed by physical trauma. There was a negative correlation between anticoagulant rodenticide concentrations and body condition. Our results suggest that chemical rodent control in Denmark results in an extensive exposure of non-target species and may adversely affect the fitness of some stoats and weasels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Elmeros
- National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Biodiversity, Grenåvej 14, DK-8410 Rønde, Denmark.
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Rose J, Hunt J, Shelton J, Wyler S, Mecham D. The effects of estradiol and catecholestrogens on uterine glycogen metabolism in mink (Neovison vison). Theriogenology 2010; 75:857-66. [PMID: 21196035 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Revised: 09/03/2010] [Accepted: 10/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glycogen is a uterine histotroph nutrient synthesized by endometrial glands in response to estradiol. The effects of estradiol may be mediated, in part, through the catecholestrogens, 2-hydroxycatecholestradiol (2-OHE2) and 4-hydroxycatecholestradiol (4-OHE2), produced by hydroxylation of estradiol within the endometrium. Using ovariectomized mink, our objectives were to determine the effects of estradiol, 4-OHE2, and 2-OHE2 on uterine: 1) glycogen concentrations and tissue localization; 2) gene expression levels for glycogen synthase, glycogen phosphorylase, and glycogen synthase kinase-3B; and 3) protein expression levels for glycogen synthase kinase-3B (total) and phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3B (inactive). Whole uterine glycogen concentrations (mean ± SEM, mg/g dry wt) were increased by estradiol (43.79 ± 5.35), 4-OHE2 (48.64 ± 4.02), and 2-OHE2 (41.36 ± 3.23) compared to controls (4.58 ± 1.16; P ≤ 0.05). Percent glycogen content of the glandular epithelia was three-fold greater than the luminal epithelia in response to estradiol and 4-OHE2 (P ≤ 0.05). Expression of glycogen synthase mRNA, the rate limiting enzyme in glycogen synthesis, was increased by 4-OHE2 and 2-OHE2 (P ≤ 0.05), but interestingly, was unaffected by estradiol. Expression of glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen synthase kinase-3B mRNAs were reduced by estradiol, 2-OHE2, and 4-OHE2 (P ≤ 0.05). Uterine phospho-glycogen synthase kinase-3B protein was barely detectable in control mink, whereas all three steroids increased phosphorylation and inactivation of the enzyme (P ≤ 0.05). We concluded that the effects of estradiol on uterine glycogen metabolism were mediated in part through catecholestrogens; perhaps the combined actions of these hormones are required for optimal uterine glycogen synthesis in mink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Rose
- Department of Biological Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho 83209, USA.
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Amstislavskiĭ SI, Zav'ialov EL, Ternovskaia IG, Gerlinskaia LA. [Reproductive physiology of the European mink: progesterone profile during pregnancy]. Ross Fiziol Zh Im I M Sechenova 2010; 96:362-369. [PMID: 20564957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Reproductive physiology of the European mink, an endangered mustelid species, has been so far scarcely investigated. This study confirms that in European mink embryo implantation occurs on the day 12 of pregnancy. Progesterone profile during pregnancy has been compared in European mink and domestic ferret. In both species, progesterone increases at peri-implantation period, i. e. on day 8 and day 12 after mating. However, toward the end of pregnancy, on day 40 after mating, progesterone concentration in faeces of the ferrets decreases and does not differ from the initial level. In contrast, increase of progesterone during first 12 days of pregnancy in European mink is not as rapid as in ferrets, but in this species, there is no visible decrease of progesterone at the end of pregnancy. Peak levels of progesterone in faeces (day 8, 12) are lower in European mink than in ferret.
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Haines KJR, Evans RD, O'Brien M, Evans HE. Accumulation of mercury and selenium in the brain of river otters (Lontra canadensis) and wild mink (Mustela vison) from Nova Scotia, Canada. Sci Total Environ 2010; 408:537-542. [PMID: 19880158 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.09.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2009] [Revised: 09/04/2009] [Accepted: 09/30/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Total Hg, methyl-Hg (MeHg) and Se levels were measured in the brain of river otters (Lontra canadensis) and wild mink (Mustela vison) carcasses collected from Nova Scotia, Canada. Total Hg concentrations in the otters' brain were highly variable, ranging from 0.3 to 18.0 microg/g dw and were significantly higher in animals caught from inland areas of the province versus coastal animals. Similarly, inland otters contained significantly more MeHg in the brain than did coastal otters. MeHg was highly correlated with total Hg in both inland and coastal otters and represented on average approximately 82% of the total Hg. Selenium concentrations in the otter brain ranged from 1.0 to 7.8 microg/g dw but unlike Hg, there was no significant difference in Se levels between inland and coastal otters. There was a significant positive relationship between Se and total Hg concentrations in the otters with the molar ratio of Se:Hg approximately 1:1 for animals having an Hg concentration>18 nmol/g dw. The non-random sampling protocol for the mink precluded extensive statistical analysis of the data. However, unlike otters, virtually all (i.e. 98%) of the total Hg in mink brain was present as MeHg in both inland and coastal mink. Also unlike the otter results, Se concentrations showed no relationship with either total or MeHg in both inland and coastal mink. The data suggest that mink and otters may have different mechanisms for managing high levels of Hg in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J R Haines
- Watershed Ecosystems Graduate Program, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 7B8
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Trapezov OV, Trapezova LI, alekhina TA, Klochkov DV, Ivanov IN. [Effects of monorecessive and double recessive mutations affecting coat color on the monoamine content of the brain of the American mink (Mustela vison Schreber, 1777)]. Genetika 2009; 45:1641-1645. [PMID: 20198975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The effects of mutations affecting the coat color on the dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin contents of the hypothalamus and brainstem of the American mink have been studied. The sample comprised standard (+/+) and mutant minks, including the monorecessive pastel (b/b), silver-blue (p/p), and white hedlund (h/h) and the combination double recessive sapphire (a/a p/p) and pearl (k/k p/p) ones. The dopamine content of the brainstem of the monorecessive pastel (b/b) and silver-blue (p/p) minks has been found to be higher than in standard (+/+) minks. Conversely, the homozigosity for two coat color loci in double recessive pearl minks (k/k p/p) significantly decreases the noradrenaline and serotonin contents of the hypothalamus. In addition, monorecessive and double recessive minks differ from each other in the serotonin contents of the midbrain and medulla.
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Wellman ST, Haynes JM, Pagano JJ. Model estimates bioaccumulation of total PCBs, dioxin-furan TEQs, and total mercury in mink liver based on concentrations in Lake Ontario water. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2009; 57:808-815. [PMID: 19629572 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-009-9361-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2009] [Accepted: 06/29/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We used stable isotope analysis and a bioaccumulation model to estimate concentrations of total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxin-furan toxic equivalents (TEQs), and total mercury (Hg) in mink and to compare predicted ranges with their chemical concentrations in mink liver (PCB, TEQ) and brain (Hg). Actual concentrations were within predicted bounds for total PCB, dioxin-furan TEQ, and Hg except in two cases (lowest PCB and highest Hg) which were very close to predicted bounds. Based on (15)N analysis, the trophic level of mink ranged from 3.4 to 3.9. Animals at the upper end of the range were exposed to Lake Ontario water and its food web, whereas those at the lower end were captured at inland locations. Because of the complexity of wetland (an important habitat for mink in this study) food webs with pelagic, littoral, and terrestrial carbon sources and overlapping (13)C signatures, whether the origins of mink diets were aquatic or terrestrial could not be determined. We have established a nondestructive biomonitoring tool to reasonably estimate concentrations of total PCBs, TEQs and total Hg in mink tissues as concentrations of these chemicals change in their water supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara T Wellman
- Department of Environmental Science and Biology, The College at Brockport, State University of New York, Brockport, NY, 14420, USA
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Haynes JM, Pagano JJ, Wellman ST. Total PCBs, dioxin-furan TEQs, and total mercury concentrations in mink in and out of the Rochester Embayment area of concern near and inland from the shore of Lake Ontario. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2009; 57:794-802. [PMID: 19639240 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-009-9365-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In terms of reproductive and other adverse outcomes after exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and furans, the mink (Mustela vison) is one of the most sensitive mammals. Our objective was to determine if there are differences in the concentrations of total mercury (Hg), total PCBs, and dioxin-furan toxic equivalents (TEQs) between mink living in and out of the Rochester Embayment of Lake Ontario (RELO) Area of Concern (AOC) and between mink living near the shore of Lake Ontario and inland. Concentrations of total Hg in the brain, total PCBs and dioxin-furan TEQs in adipose, and total PCBs in liver were significantly higher for mink living near the shore of Lake Ontario than inland. For mink living in and out of the AOC, differences in total PCBs and dioxin-furan TEQs in adipose and the liver were substantial but not significant. Correlations among concentrations of total Hg, total PCBs, and dioxin-furan TEQs in mink were high. Our results suggest that contamination of mink living near the southern shore of Lake Ontario primarily comes from contact with the Lake Ontario food web, not from sources in the RELO AOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Haynes
- Department of Environmental Science and Biology, The College at Brockport, State University of New York, Brockport, NY, 14420, USA.
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Bleavins MR, Bursian SJ, Brewster JS, Aulerich RJ. Effects of dietary hexachlorobenzene exposure on regional brain biogenic amine concentrations in mink and european ferrets. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 14:363-77. [PMID: 6542146 DOI: 10.1080/15287398409530586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In the initial trial, adult mink and ferrets were administered hexachlorobenzene (HCB) via the feed at concentrations of 1, 5, or 25 ppm for 47 wk. Animals receiving 125 and 625 ppm HCB in the diet died before termination of the experiment, with female ferrets at the 125 ppm level displaying abnormal aggressiveness and hyperexcitability just prior to death. Hypothalamic serotonin (5-HT) was significantly elevated at all dose levels in mink, and cerebellar 5-HT was significantly elevated at 1 ppm in the ferret. Regional brain biogenic amine concentrations were also determined in the offspring of the female mink that were administered 1 and 5 ppm HCB. Hypothalamic dopamine (DA) concentrations were significantly depressed by 1 and 5 ppm in these kits. In a second study, adult male and female ferrets were administered 250 or 500 ppm HCB via the diet for 7 wk. Two animals at the 250-ppm level and 3 animals at the 500-ppm level died before termination of the experiment without showing behavioral changes. Of the remaining animals, 3 ferrets at 250 ppm and 1 ferret at 500 ppm showed slight aggressiveness and hyperexcitability during the last week of the experiment. Concentrations of 5-HT were significantly elevated at 500 ppm in the cerebral hemispheres and at 250 ppm in the midbrain of male ferrets, while in the females, 5-HT was elevated in the cerebral hemispheres at 250 ppm and in the hypothalamus at both 250 and 500 ppm. Norepinephrine (NE) concentrations were significantly elevated in the cerebellum of males exposed to 250 and 500 ppm, as were NE concentrations in the midbrain. HCB at 500 ppm caused a significant increase in medullary NE, while 250 ppm caused an increase in hypothalamic NE in males. The only change in regional brain dopamine (DA) concentrations occurred at 500 ppm HCB in the midbrain of males, where there was a significant elevation of this neurotransmitter.
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Roy NK, Bursian S, Mayack DT, Wirgin I. Development and use of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay to quantify cytochrome P4501A1 expression in American mink. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2009; 57:608-615. [PMID: 19277445 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-009-9303-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2008] [Accepted: 01/25/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of natural populations of American mink is restricted to locales that are in proximity to aquatic ecosystems. Because of the lipophilicity and persistence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and reliance of mink on aquatic-based diets, mink at contaminated locales often bioacccumulate high levels of PCBs. In addition, in controlled laboratory studies, mink are highly sensitive at reproductive and developmental end points to the toxic effects of environmental PCB mixtures. It is believed that most, if not all, toxic effects of PCBs occur through activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway. Transcription of cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) by PCBs is also mediated through activation of AHR. Thus, levels of CYP1A1 mRNA provide a quantitative assay of exposure to and early biologic effect of PCBs on mink and may be predictive of toxicity at higher levels of biologic organization. We developed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers to amplify CYP1A1 as well as identified a housekeeping gene from mink cDNA. We used real-time reverse transcription-PCR to quantify and compare levels of hepatic CYP1A mRNA among groups of ranched mink kits and juveniles, which were fed diets or exposed in utero to fish that were low in PCBs (Atlantic herring) or to diets that were contaminated with three different levels of PCBs (carp) from Saginaw Bay, Lake Michigan. We found significant differences in CYP1A1 mRNA expression between mink fed the control diet and those fed a PCB-contaminated carp diet at all three treatment levels and exposure times. CYP1A1 mRNA was significantly induced 5.3- to 6.6-fold and 3.7- to 4.7-fold at 6 and 27 weeks, respectively. In previous studies, dietary exposures to PCB-contaminated carp were shown to cause mild to moderate lesions in the mandible and maxilla of these animals. This study demonstrates that hepatic CYP1A1 mRNA may be a sensitive biomarker of exposure of mink to environmentally relevant levels of PCBs and may be predictive of their effects in natural populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmal K Roy
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, 57 Old Forge Road, Tuxedo, NY 10987, USA
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Chen P, Zhao J, Nielsen VH, Clausen T, Gregersen H. Intestinal remodelling in mink fed with reduced protein content. J Biomech 2009; 42:443-8. [PMID: 19159886 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2008.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Revised: 11/28/2008] [Accepted: 11/29/2008] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Low protein intake occurs in humans in relation to diseases, starvation and post-operatively. Low-protein diets may affect the gastrointestinal structure and mechanical function. The aim was to study the passive biomechanical properties and tissue remodelling of the intestine in minks on reduced protein diets. Twenty-seven male minks were divided into three groups receiving different protein level in the diet for 6 weeks: High protein level (group H, 55% energy from protein), moderate protein level (group M, 30% energy from protein) and low protein level (group L, 15% energy from protein) (n=9 for each group). Ten centimetre long segments from duodenum, jejunum and ileum were excised at the end of the study period. The mechanical test was performed as a ramp distension experiment. The intestinal diameter and length, wall thickness, wall area and opening angle were obtained from digitized images of the intestinal segments at pre-selected pressures, no-load and zero-stress states, respectively. Circumferential and longitudinal stresses (force per area) and strains (deformation) were computed. The layer thickness was measured from intestinal histological images. No difference in body weight was found between groups at the start of the experiment. However, at the end of the experiment the body weight was smallest in group L (P=0.0003 and 0.0004 compared with groups H and M). Similarly, the wet weight per unit length, wall thickness and area were smallest in group L (P<0.05, P<0.01). The lowest wall thickness was found in the jejunum and ileum in group L (P<0.05), mainly due to decreased mucosa and submucosa thickness. The smallest opening angle and absolute values of residual strain were found in the jejunal segment in group L (P<0.05). No difference was observed for duodenal and ileal segments among the three groups. Feeding the low-protein diet shifted the stress-strain curves to the right for the circumferential direction, indicating the wall become softer in the circumferential direction. However, no significant difference was observed in the longitudinal direction for any of the intestinal segments. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that low-protein diet in minks induce histomorphometric and biomechanical remodelling of the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengmin Chen
- Mech-Sense, Aalborg Hospital Science and Innovation Centre (AHSIC), Sdr. Skovvej 15, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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Iagodina OV. [Comparative study of catalytic properties of mink and rat liver monoamine oxidase]. Zh Evol Biokhim Fiziol 2008; 44:570-576. [PMID: 19198157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Comparative substrate-inhibitor analysis of catalytic properties of monoamine oxidase (MAO) of liver mitochondrial of the American mink Mustela vison Schreber and of liver of Wistar rat has been performed. It has been established that MAO of mink, like MAO of rat, has properties of classic mammalian MAO: it deaminates tyramine, tryptamine, serotonin, benzilamine, beta-phenylethylamine and does not deaminate histamine as well as does not have sensitivity to semicarbazide. Study of kinetics of monoamine oxidase deamination has allowed revealing both qualitative and quantitative differences between these enzymes. Specificity of action on MAO, form A, of four irreversible inhibitors--acridine derivative--has been established; the specificity for the mink liver MAO was several times higher than for the rat liver MAO. It is suggested that liver MAO of both species of the studied animals has several isoenzyme forms or several centers of substrate binding.
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Klenavic K, Champoux L, Mike O, Daoust PY, Evans RD, Evans HE. Mercury concentrations in wild mink (Mustela vison) and river otters (Lontra canadensis) collected from eastern and Atlantic Canada: relationship to age and parasitism. Environ Pollut 2008; 156:359-366. [PMID: 18367299 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2008.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2007] [Revised: 01/30/2008] [Accepted: 02/10/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Total mercury (Hg) concentrations were measured in the fur, brain and liver of wild mink (Mustela vison) and river otters (Lontra canadensis) collected from eastern and Atlantic Canada. Total Hg concentrations in fur were strongly correlated with levels in the brain and liver. There was no difference in tissue concentrations between male and female mink; however, female otters had significantly higher fur, brain and liver Hg levels than males. Similarly, there was not a significant relationship between Hg concentration and age of mink, whereas in otters, Hg concentrations in all three tissues decreased significantly with age. In both species, only a very small percentage of the variability in Hg concentration was explained by age. After adjusting the data for site-to-site differences in Hg levels, Hg concentrations in the fur of mink infected by the parasite, Dioctophyma renale, were found to be significantly higher than Hg levels in uninfected mink.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Klenavic
- Environmental and Resource Studies, Trent University, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8, Canada
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Zwiernik MJ, Moore JN, Khim JS, Williams LL, Kay DP, Bursian S, Aylward LL, Giesy JP. Nondestructive scat sampling in assessment of mink (Mustela vison) exposed to polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2008; 55:529-537. [PMID: 18227958 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-007-9131-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2007] [Accepted: 12/27/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The mink (Mustela vison) is often utilized as a sentinel species for ecological assessments at sites where contaminants of concern include dioxins and dioxin-like compounds. Utilizing mink scat as a nondestructive tool to determine internal exposure to dioxin-like compounds may allow for rapid, accurate estimates of exposure without the need to capture mink or their prey. To determine the relationships between concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in tissues (liver and adipose) and those in scat, mink were fed PCDFs in scat during a controlled laboratory study for 180 days. Mink were fed a control diet, diets with three doses of 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF) or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (2,3,7,8-TCDF), and a diet with an environmentally relevant mixture of the two congeners. Concentrations of PCDFs in liver and adipose were measured after 0, 90, and 180 days of exposure. Concentrations of the two PCDF congeners in mink scat were determined after 2, 23, 45, 90, and 180 days of exposure. Concentrations of both PCDF congeners in scat were significantly correlated with those in liver and adipose tissue (r(2) = 0.94-0.97, p < 0.01). This indicates that measurements of concentrations of both PCDFs in scat can be used to predict concentrations of PCDFs in liver and adipose. Assimilation and elimination characteristics of 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF or 2,3,7,8,-TCDF and a mixture of the two congeners by mink could be predicted from concentrations of these congeners in scat. Overall, concentrations of PCDFs in mink scat can be used as a rapid and inexpensive nondestructive method to predict concentrations of PCDFs in mink when certain assumptions are met.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Zwiernik
- Zoology Department, Center for Integrative Toxicology, National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Zhang S, Bursian S, Martin PA, Chan HM, Martin JW. Dietary accumulation, disposition, and metabolism of technical pentabrominated diphenyl ether (de-71) in pregnant mink (Mustela vison) and their offspring. Environ Toxicol Chem 2008; 27:1184-1193. [PMID: 18419198 DOI: 10.1897/07-487.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2007] [Accepted: 12/04/2007] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in humans and wildlife suggest significant bioaccumulation potential in mammals, but no quantitative biomagnification data from controlled experiments are currently available. As part of a larger study examining the effects of PBDEs on mink (Mustela vison) reproduction and development, we examined congener-specific tissue distribution, maternal transfer, biotransformation, and biomagnification of the technical penta-BDE mixture, DE-71, in farmed mink. Adult female mink were fed one of four concentrations of DE-71 (0-2.5 microg/g) in the diet from breeding through gestation and until weaning at 6 weeks postparturition. Parent PBDEs were measured in tissues and excreta of adult mink, kits, and juveniles, whereas hydroxylated PBDEs (OH-PBDEs) were measured in juveniles only. Similar lipid-normalized concentrations of PBDEs were detected in most tissues of adult mink with the exception of brain, in which concentrations were significantly lower. Kits, however, had a higher proportion of PBDEs in brain compared with adults, presumably because of incomplete development of the blood-brain barrier. Maternal transfer favored lower-brominated PBDE congeners, and the bulk of the body burden in kits at weaning resulted from lactational rather than transplacental transfer. Lipid-normalized, whole-body biomagnification factors ranged from 0.5 to 5.2 for the major congeners and were highest for BDEs 47 and 153. Metabolism clearly limited the biomagnification of some PBDEs, and OH-PBDEs were detectable in plasma, liver, and feces. On a mass basis, OH-PBDEs accounted for 28 to 32% of the excreted fraction, indicating metabolism was an important elimination pathway. Further studies are required to understand the mechanisms of PBDE biotransformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Mohr FC, Lasley B, Bursian S. Chronic oral exposure to bunker C fuel oil causes adrenal insufficiency in ranch mink (Mustela vison). Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 2008; 54:337-47. [PMID: 17763884 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-007-9021-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2006] [Accepted: 06/22/2007] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Animals living in the near-shore marine environment are predisposed to contact with chemical contaminants through land- and ocean-based activities. The release of petroleum hydrocarbons into the marine environment is a stressor to this environment and its resident wildlife. The stress response to chemical threats is dependent on an intact hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which also may be a target to the effects of these chemicals. Ranch mink (Mustela vison) were used as surrogates for sea otters (Enhydra lutris) to examine the development of adrenal hypertrophy after chronic, oral exposure to low concentrations of bunker C fuel oil. Animals were fed three different concentrations of fuel oil (48, 520, and 908 ppm) or mineral oil (control) for 60-62 days. At the end of the exposure, blood and fecal samples were collected and organs were weighed and examined microscopically. In all fuel oil groups, exposure resulted in adrenal hypertrophy, an adaptation suggestive of adrenal activation. However, concentrations of serum and fecal glucocorticoids and serum progesterone were not elevated over control values. Hematologic parameters and serum chemistries showed no changes consistent with increased adrenal activity. In addition, adrenal glands from animals fed the higher concentrations of fuel oil contained large numbers of heavily vacuolated cells. We conclude that petroleum hydrocarbons are inducing an adrenal insufficiency that leads to the adaptive enlargement of the gland. This would increase the susceptibility of fuel oil-exposed animals to the deleterious effects of other environmental stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- F C Mohr
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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38
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Vhile SG, Skrede A, Ahlstrøm O, Hove K. Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) as an inert marker in digestibility studies with dogs, blue foxes and mink fed diets containing different protein sources. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2007; 91:381-9. [PMID: 17845245 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2006.00665.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The study evaluated the use of yttrium oxide (Y(2)O(3)) as an inert marker in studies of apparent total tract digestibility in dogs, blue foxes and mink. Comparison was made with total faecal collection, and use of chromic oxide (Cr(2)O(3)) as marker respectively. Four experimental diets were added 0.1 g/kg yttrium oxide and 10 g/kg chromic oxide and fed to four animals of each species. Faecal recovery of yttrium oxide was 94.4% (SEM +/- 1.0), and of chromic oxide 105.8% (SEM +/- 1.5). The digestibilities of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, starch and total carbohydrates obtained by total collection and yttrium oxide as marker showed close similarity, and in most cases not significant differences, independent of species and diets. In dogs, overall digestibilities of main nutrients with chromic oxide as marker were not significantly different from overall means obtained with yttrium oxide (p > 0.05). Overall digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and total carbohydrates in blue foxes and mink was significantly higher with chromic oxide than with yttrium oxide (p < 0.05). In dogs and blue foxes, digestibilities of individual amino acids determined by use of yttrium oxide were not different from values obtained using total collection of faeces, both within diets and for overall mean (p > 0.05). Overall amino acid digestibilities in dogs determined with chromic oxide as marker were similar to corresponding figures for yttrium oxide, whereas use of chromic oxide resulted in significantly higher digestibilites for a number of amino acids compared with yttrium oxide in foxes and mink (p < 0.05). The digestibilities of most main nutrients and amino acids revealed no interaction between diet and method (p > 0.05). The study showed that yttrium oxide can be used in low concentration in the feed, and allows high accuracy of analyses and thereby precise digestibility determination. It is concluded that yttrium oxide is an alternative inert marker to chromic oxide in the studied species.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Vhile
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, As, Norway
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Hynes AM, Rouvinen-Watt K. Monitoring blood glucose levels in female mink during the reproductive cycle: 2. Effects of short-term fish oil, chromium picolinate, and acetylsalicylic acid supplementation during late lactation. Can J Vet Res 2007; 71:249-255. [PMID: 17955898 PMCID: PMC1940271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2006] [Accepted: 01/18/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Mink nursing sickness is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia that is similar to the metabolic syndrome associated with type 2, or non-insulin-dependent, diabetes mellitus. This research studied the effects of short-term administration of antidiabetic supplements on the blood glucose concentration in female mink during late lactation. Female mink that had blood glucose levels < 5.5 mmol/L (normoglycemic [NG]) or > or = 5.5 mmol/L (hyperglycemic [HG]) early in lactation were given daily supplements of various combinations of herring oil (HerO, 3% in diet), chromium picolinate (CrPic, 200 microg), and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, 100 mg) for 1 wk starting at day 21 post partum. In the NG mink, most of the treatments did not significantly change the blood glucose concentration from day 28 to 42 post partum. However, treatment with ASA alone and treatment with the combination HerO-CrPic-ASA elevated the blood glucose levels when compared with those of the control group, which had received just the basal diet. In the HG mink, all treatment combinations except CrPic alone and ASA alone, reduced the blood glucose concentration. Thus, in lactating mink with hyperglycemia, the blood glucose concentration may be effectively lowered by dietary antidiabetic supplementation; however, because hyperglycemia also occurs before nursing, preventive measures are recommended throughout the year.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kirsti Rouvinen-Watt
- Address all correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Kirsti Rouvinen-Watt; telephone: (902) 893-6646; fax: (902) 895-6734; e-mail:
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Nordstoga K, Ytrehus B, Christophersen B, Olivecrona G. Mesenteric chylothrombosis in hyperlipidaemic mink. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 54:411-3. [PMID: 17877581 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.2007.00979.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In the familial form of hyperlipoproteinaemia type I of mink (Mustela vison), mesenteric lipogranulomas are common findings in longstanding cases. Patho-morphological studies of early stages indicated that these lipogranulomas arose from stagnant chyle. The composition of fatty acids of a newly formed mesenteric granuloma was determined, together with fatty acids in liver, plasma and the feed. The results supported the pathological observations, as the fat of the granuloma differed from that of the liver and plasma, and contained only small amounts of the endogenous arachidonic acid, while the exogenous eicosenoic acid was present in amounts comparable with the dietary fat.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nordstoga
- Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway.
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41
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Mustonen AM, Käkelä R, Nieminen P. Different fatty acid composition in central and peripheral adipose tissues of the American mink (Mustela vison). Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2007; 147:903-10. [PMID: 17412626 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2007.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2006] [Revised: 12/19/2006] [Accepted: 02/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Fatty acid (FA) composition in the intraabdominal (IAB), subcutaneous (SC) and peripheral adipose tissues of the semiaquatic American mink (Mustela vison) was examined in comparison to the diet by gas-liquid chromatography. There was a clear compositional gradient from the IAB via SC to peripheral adipose tissues and the anatomically different adipose tissues accumulated or metabolized FA selectively. The total lipids of the body appendages had smaller proportions of saturated (SFA) and larger proportions of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the lipids of the trunk adipose tissues. Especially n-3 PUFA were enriched in the periphery. The appendages were also characterized with a high ratio of unsaturated FA to SFA, an increased Delta9-desaturation index and increased mean numbers of double bonds and carbon atoms in a FA molecule. The proportions of SFA and MUFA of the diet resembled the trunk adipose tissues while the dietary percentage of n-3 PUFA surpassed those of the trunk fat depots but was lower than those of the peripheral fats. These data confirm that the FA signatures of mammals reflect not only their dietary history but also metabolic modifications of ingested FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Mari Mustonen
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Joensuu, P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101, Joensuu, Finland.
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Skrede A, Sahlstrøm S, Ahlstrøm O, Connor KH, Skrede G. Effects of lactic acid fermentation and gamma irradiation of barley on antinutrient contents and nutrient digestibility in mink (Mustela vison) with and without dietary enzyme supplement. Arch Anim Nutr 2007; 61:211-21. [PMID: 17578263 DOI: 10.1080/17450390701297727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The experiment was conducted to study the effects of fermentation of barley, using two different strains of lactic acid bacteria, a Lactobacillus plantarum/pentosus strain isolated from spontaneously fermented rye sourdough (AD2) and a starch-degrading Lactobacillus plantarum (AM4), on contents of mixed-linked (1 --> 3) (1 --> 4)-beta-glucans, alpha-amylase inhibitor activity, inositol phosphates, and apparent digestibility of macronutrients in mink. Effects of fermentation were compared with effects of gamma irradiation (gamma-irradiation: 60Co gamma-rays at 25 kGy). The diets were fed to mink with and without a supplementary enzyme preparation. Both lactic acid fermentation and gamma-irradiation followed by soaking and incubation, reduced concentrations of soluble beta-glucans, phytate and alpha-amylase inhibitor activity. Dietary enzyme supplementation increased significantly digestibility of crude protein, fat, starch and crude carbohydrate (CHO). Fermentation of the barley increased digestibility of starch and CHO. Fermentation with lactic acid bacteria AD2 resulted in higher starch and CHO digestibility than strain AM4, and had greater effect than gamma-irradiation, soaking and incubation. The highest digestibility of starch and CHO was obtained after AD2 fermentation followed by enzyme supplementation. It is concluded that both lactic acid fermentation of barley and enzyme supplementation have positive nutritional implications in the mink by limiting the effects of antinutrients and improving digestibility and energy utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Skrede
- Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, As, Norway.
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Sereikaite J, Statkute A, Morkunas M, Radzevicius K, Borromeo V, Secchi C, Bumelis VA. Production of recombinant mink growth hormone in E. coli. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2007; 74:316-23. [PMID: 17103160 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-006-0673-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2006] [Revised: 09/06/2006] [Accepted: 09/12/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli cells expressing mink (Mustela vison) growth hormone were grown in a batch fermentation process. The expression level was estimated to be 27% of the total cellular protein after 3 h of induction with 1 mM isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG). If the expression of mink growth hormone (mGH) was induced with 0.2 mM IPTG, the concentration of target protein was slightly lower and was found to be 23% at the same time after induction. mGH expressed as inclusion bodies was solubilized in 8 M urea and renatured by dilution protocol at a protein concentration of 1.4-2.1 mg/ml in the presence of glutathione pair in a final concentration of 11.3 mM. [GSH]/[GSSG] ratio equal to 2/1 was used. Two-step purification process comprising of ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose and hydrophobic chromatography on Phenyl-Sepharose was developed. Some 25-30 mg of highly purified and biologically active mGH was obtained from 4 g of biomass. The method presented in this study allows producing large quantities of mGH and considering initiation of scientific investigation on mGH effect on mink in vivo and availability in fur industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Sereikaite
- Department of Chemistry and Bioengineering, Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Sauletekio al. 11, 2040 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Hellwing ALF, Tauson AH, Ahlstrøm O, Skrede A. Nitrogen and energy balance in growing mink (Mustela vison) fed different levels of bacterial protein meal produced with natural gas. Arch Anim Nutr 2007; 59:335-52. [PMID: 16320782 DOI: 10.1080/17450390500247873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of increasing the dietary content of bacterial protein meal (BPM) on energy and protein metabolism in growing mink kits. Sixteen male mink kits of the standard brown genotype were randomly fed one of four diets: A control (Diet I) based on high-quality fish meal, and three experimental diets in which 20% (Diet II), 40% (Diet III) and 60% (Diet IV) of the digested nitrogen (DN) was replaced with BPM. Nitrogen balance and respiration experiments (indirect calorimetry) were carried out when the animals were approximately 9.5, 14.5, 17.5, 23.5 and 28.5 weeks of age. The apparent digestibility of crude protein and energy decreased significantly with increasing dietary BPM. The retained nitrogen was 0.45, 0.54, 0.52 and 0.40 g/kg0.75 on Diets I, II, III and IV, respectively, the observed differences between diets being non-significant (p = 0.06). Heat production (HE) was between 645 and 665 kJ/kg0.75 on all diets (p = 0.78). Retained energy (RE) was approximately 150-160 kJ/kg0.75 on Diets I to III, whereas it was -11 kJ/kg0.75 on Diet IV, the differences being significant (p< 0.001). A lower feed intake and apparent digestibility of energy caused the negative RE on Diet IV. The amount of HE from oxidation of protein decreased from 32.7% on Diet I to 26.6% on Diet IV, and oxidation of fat increased from 53.8% on Diet I to 63.5% Diet IV. In conclusion, protein and energy metabolism remained unaffected when up to 40% of DN was derived from BPM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Louise F Hellwing
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Basic Sciences, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark
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Stamler CJ, Arrieta DE, Basu N, Henderson JD, Wilson BW, Chan HM. Evaluation of a fluorescent method for measuring cholinesterase activity in mammalian blood and tissue. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2006; 77:785-92. [PMID: 17219295 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-006-1212-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2006] [Accepted: 11/16/2006] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- C J Stamler
- School of Dietetics and Human Nutrition, Macdonald Campus, McGill University, 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Quebec, H9X 3V9, Canada
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Bartz JC, Kramer ML, Sheehan MH, Hutter JAL, Ayers JI, Bessen RA, Kincaid AE. Prion interference is due to a reduction in strain-specific PrPSc levels. J Virol 2006; 81:689-97. [PMID: 17079313 PMCID: PMC1797475 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01751-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
When two prion strains infect a single host, one strain can interfere with the ability of the other to cause disease but it is not known whether prion replication of the second strain is also diminished. To further investigate strain interference, we infected hamsters in the sciatic nerve with the long-incubation-period transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) agent DY TME prior to superinfection of hamsters with the short-incubation-period HY TME agent. Increases in the interval between TME agent inoculations resulted in an extension of the incubation period of HY TME or a complete block of the ability of the HY TME agent to cause disease. The sciatic nerve route of inoculation gave the two TME strains access to the same population of neurons, allowing for the potential of prion interference in the lumbar spinal cord. The ability of the DY TME agent to extend the incubation period of HY TME corresponds with detection of DY TME PrP(Sc), the abnormal isoform of the prion protein, in the lumbar spinal cord. The increased incubation period of HY TME or the inability of the HY TME agent to cause disease in the coinfected animals corresponds with a reduction in the abundance of HY TME PrP(Sc) in the lumbar spinal cord. When the two strains were not directed to the same populations of neurons within the lumbar spinal cord, interference between HY TME and DY TME did not occur. This suggests that DY TME agent replication interferes with HY TME agent replication when the two strains infect a common population of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason C Bartz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska 68178, USA.
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Blottner S, Schön J, Jewgenow K. Seasonally activated spermatogenesis is correlated with increased testicular production of testosterone and epidermal growth factor in mink (Mustela vison). Theriogenology 2006; 66:1593-8. [PMID: 16481033 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal changes in spermatogenesis were studied with respect to testicular production of both testosterone and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in mink. The testes were collected in November (n = 15; testis recrudescence), February (n = 15; before breeding season), March (n = 14; breeding season), and May (n = 11; testis involution) and the following parameters of testicular activity were quantified: testicular mass, number of testicular spermatozoa, percentages of haploid, diploid, and tetraploid (G2/M-phase) cells and content of testosterone and EGF. The growth factor was immunohistochemically localized in the parenchyma. Testis mass, spermatogenic activity, and the production of both testosterone and EGF were maximal in March, but were not significantly different from the levels in February. The correlation between testis weight and sperm per testis was r = 0.825 (P < 0.001). Testosterone and EGF levels were correlated to each other (r = 0.78; P < 0.001) and had significant positive correlations to testis mass, number of sperm and proportion of haploid cells; and negative correlations to percentages of mitotic cells. EGF was localized in interstitial cells and in the luminal region of seminiferous tubules, where it occurred during the last steps of spermiogenesis. We inferred that intensified seasonal spermatogenesis was stimulated by testosterone and by autocrine/paracrine effects of EGF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Blottner
- Institute for Zoo Biology and Wildlife Research, PF 601103, D-10252 Berlin, Germany.
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Ryökkynen A, Mustonen AM, Pyykönen T, Nieminen P. Endocrine and metabolic alterations in the mink (Mustela vison) due to chronic phytoestrogen exposure. Chemosphere 2006; 64:1753-60. [PMID: 16466776 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2005.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2005] [Revised: 11/28/2005] [Accepted: 12/17/2005] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Phytoestrogens are natural components of plant-based food items with beneficial health effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the chronic effects of dietary phytoestrogens, genistein (8 mg kg(-1) day(-1)) and beta-sitosterol (50 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), on the weight regulation of the mink (Mustela vison). The parental generation was exposed from August 2002 to May-June 2003 to either beta-sitosterol or genistein, while the kits were exposed through gestation and lactation. Food consumption and body masses were monitored monthly. Plasma lipid, glucose, total protein and hormone (ghrelin, leptin, triiodothyronine and thyroxine) concentrations were measured from the parents in August 2002, January 2003 and at the end of the experiment in May-June 2003 when the kits were 21 days of age. Relative food intake was higher in the beta-sitosterol-exposed minks than in the control or genistein minks in September 2002. Plasma leptin and total protein concentrations were lower in the beta-sitosterol kits compared to the control kits. Furthermore, plasma ghrelin levels and liver phosphorylase activities of the mink kits were higher due to genistein exposure. In mink kits, exposure to both phytoestrogens reduced the plasma thyroxine concentrations. The kidney glycogen concentrations and the muscle phosphorylase activities of phytoestrogen-treated adult minks were elevated. The results of this study suggest that minks are sensitive to perinatal phytoestrogen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Ryökkynen
- University of Joensuu, Department of Biology, P.O. Box 111, FIN-80101 Joensuu, Finland.
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Tauson AH, Fink R, Chwalibog A, Rasmussen A. Protein turnover in lactating mink (Mustela vison) is not affected by dietary protein supply. J Nutr 2006; 136:2061S-2062S. [PMID: 16772498 DOI: 10.1093/jn/136.7.2061s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Helene Tauson
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Basic Sciences, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Grønnegårdsvej 3, DK-1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
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50
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Cooper MH, Iverson SJ, Rouvinen-Watt K. Metabolism of Dietary Cetoleic Acid (22:1n‐11) in Mink (Mustela vison) and Gray Seals (Halichoerus grypus) Studied Using Radiolabeled Fatty Acids. Physiol Biochem Zool 2006; 79:820-9. [PMID: 16826508 DOI: 10.1086/505513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2005] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cetoleic acid (22:1n-11) is a good indicator of diet in marine predators and has proven to be an important fatty acid (FA) when using adipose tissue FA composition to study diet in marine mammals and seabirds. Feeding studies have shown that 22:1 isomers are predictably underrepresented in adipose tissue relative to diet, implying that metabolism within the predator strongly influences the relationship between the level of these FAs in diet and adipose tissue. Fully understanding such metabolic processes for individual FAs is important for the quantitative estimation of predator diets. We employed a dual-label radioisotope tracer technique to investigate the potential modification of 22:1n-11 and its recovery in the blubber of gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) and in the adipose tissue and liver of mink (Mustela vison), a smaller model carnivore also accustomed to fish-based diets. In both seals and mink, (3)H radioactivity was found in the chain-shortened products of 22:1n-11, with 18:1 being the dominant product. We also found (3)H radioactivity in saturated FAs. The distribution patterns of (3)H radioactivity across the FAs isolated from seal blubber and mink subcutaneous adipose tissue were comparable, indicating that mink are a good model for the investigation of lipid metabolism in marine carnivores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret H Cooper
- Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
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