Abstract
THE “thin eggshell phenomenon” has been widely found in nature for several species of raptors1 and has been demonstrated for a number of species in laboratory conditions2. Calcium metabolism in birds is closely linked to the reproductive cycle and is, to a large extent, regulated by two steroids, oestradiol and vitamin D. Avian hepatic liver enzymes induced by chlorinated hydrocarbons have been shown to increase the metabolism of sex hormones both in vitro3 and in vivo4. The structure of vitamin D is sufficiently close to that of the sex hormones investigated to suggest that increased vitamin D metabolism might occur and thus calcium uptake from the gastrointestinal tract be affected. Two groups of experiments were carried out: in vivo studies of 45Ca uptake in zebra finches (Poephila guttata) and in vitro studies of vitamin D metabolism by the hepatic microsomal fractions of ringed turtle doves (ring doves; Streptopelia risoria).
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References
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PEAKALL, D. Effect of DDT on Calcium Uptake and Vitamin D Metabolism in Birds. Nature 224, 1219–1220 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/2241219a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/2241219a0
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