Physiological, Growth, and Immune Responses of Japanese Quail Chicks to the Multiple Stressors of Immunological Challenge and Lead Shot

Abstract

Abstract. Exposure to the combination of a contaminant and an immunological challenge during development may greatly increase the impact of either or both of these stressors on an individual. This study investigated the interacting effects of a nonpathogenic immunological challenge and lead shot exposure early in the development of a precocial species. Seventyone quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks orally received either one #9 lead shot (0.05 g), four lead shots (0.2 g), or no lead at the age of 8 days. A third of each of these groups of chicks were intraperitoneally injected with either 0.075 ml of 10% chukar (Alectoris graeca) red blood cells (CRBCs), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), or a placebo oil vaccine at 13 and 35 days of age. There was no difference in the survival between any of the lead or antigen treatment groups. Lead concentrations in blood were greater for the lead-dosed groups on day 49 but not on day 128. Growth curves were approximated by Weibull functions; growth parameters did not differ between lead-treated and antigen-treated birds. CRBC antigen increases fluctuating asymmetry (FA) for primary feather five, while NDV reduced FA. Lead did not affect antibody production or cell-mediated immune response. White blood cell numbers increased 7 days after antigen injection on days 27 and 49 of age. Granulocyte numbers were significantly higher for the lead-treated quail than the control quail, and both antigentreated groups had lower granulocyte numbers than control quail. The treatment groups of combining NDV and lead shot had an average plasma protein 14% lower than other groups. Lead shot in the highest of these doses lowered asymptotic weights, increased hematocrits, lowered plasma protein, and increased granulocyte numbers of quail.

Abnormal lead exposure in globally threatened Cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) wintering in South Korea

“…Extensive usage of Pb shot (about 202 tons annually) without legislative regulation in South Korea may also exacerbate the ecological risks of Pb exposure to this scavenger species, although we did not find direct consumption of Pb pellets in the ventriculus examined. A greater prevalence of high Pb exposure in Bald eagles occurred when the eagles were feeding largely on their prey during hunting season (Elliott et al 1992;Wayland and Bollinger 1999). Since Cinereous vultures are generally over-wintering during the hunting season (November to February) in South Korea, many individuals are likely to experience high Pb exposure during that period (Fig.…”

“…The occurrence of Pb poisoning in dead Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) in the United States and Canada were 3-15%, with hepatic or renal Pb levels of [20 ppm (dry weight) (Reichel et al 1984;Elliott et al 1992). Of 57 White-tailed eagles (H. albicilla) found dead or moribund in Germany and Austria, 21-23% were suspected to have died of Pb poisoning (Kenntner et al 2001).…”

Lead toxicosis of captive vultures: case description and responses to chelation therapy

“…Lead impairs general health, growth, immune, reproductive, and many other physiological functions in birds, the biosynthesis of haemoglobin inclusive [39]. Some of its adverse effects are associated with the oxidative damage of lipids, proteins, and DNA [40].…”

“…Lead, affecting multiple physiological functions in birds [39], belongs to such toxins. Its accumulation can exert reproductive effects in breeding birds and detrimental effects may include changes in egg size, eggshell thickness, hatchability and fledging success [16].…”

Age- and sex-related morphological and physiological differences influence escape capacity in House Sparrows (Passer domesticus)

“…Hematocrit values related negatively to capture order, i.e., individuals with the lowest hematocrit were captured last. Although increased hematocrit values have generally been associated to healthy individuals in good condition (Svensson and Merilä 1996;Christe et al 2002;Fair et al 2007), several studies also suggested that high values of hematocrit may point to increased work load, stress situations, or even infection by blood parasites (Saino et al 1997;Hõrak et al 1998;Fair and Ricklefs 2002;Fair et al 2007). In addition, hematocrit also increases as a consequence of dehydration.…”