Abstract
ALTHOUGH the thinning of eggshells as a result of ingestion of DDE [2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene] is well documented in many sensitive avian species, the underlying mechanism remains unclear (see ref. 1 for review). Risebrough et al.2 have proposed that thinning results from inhibitory action close to the site of shell formation since other physiological processes are apparently not affected in brown pelicans laying eggs with up to 95% thinned shells. Our report of no reduction in blood calcium in white Pekin ducks and ring doves exhibiting DDE-induced eggshell thinning3 supports the proposal that thinning results from a disruption of shell gland (uterus) function rather than a reduced calcium supply to the gland.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Cooke, A. S., Environ. Pollut., 4, 85–152 (1973).
Risebrough, R. W., Davis, J., and Anderson, D. W., in The Biological Impact of Pesticides in the Environment (edit. by Gillett, J. W.), 40–53 (Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, 1970).
Peakall, D. B., Miller, D. S., and Kinter, W. B., Environ. Pollut. (in the press).
Simkiss, K., and Taylor, T. G., in Physiology and Biochemistry of the Domestic Fowl (edit. by Bell, D. J. and Freeman, B. M.), 3, 1331–1343 (Academic, New York, 1971).
Harrison, H. E., and Harrison, H. C., in Biomembranes (edit. by Manson, L. A.), 4 B, 793–846 (Plenum, London, 1974).
Pritchard, J. B., Peakall, D. B., Risebrough, R. W., and Kinter, W. B., Bull. Mt Desert Isl. Biol. Lab., 12, 77–79 (1972).
Yamada, M., Poultry Sci., 52, 1375–1382 (1973).
Pike, W. J., and Alvarado, R. H., Comp. Biochem. Physiol., 51 B, 119–125 (1975).
Corradino, R. A., Wasserman, R. H., Pubols, M. H., and Chang, S. I., Archs. Biochem. Biophys., 125, 378–380 (1968).
Schwartz, E., Fedn Proc., 33, 1314 (1974).
Peakall, D. B., Lincer, J. L., Risebrough, R. W., Pritchard, J. B., and Kinter, W. B., Comp. gen. Pharmac., 4, 305–313 (1973).
Peakall, D. B., Miller, D. S., and Kinter, W. B., Nature, 254, 421 (1975).
Bonting, S. L., in Membranes and Ion Transport (edit. by Bittar, E. E.), 1, 257–363 (Wiley-Interscience, London, 1970).
Maren, T. H., J. Pharmac. exp. Ther., 130, 26–29 (1960).
Wasserman, R. H., and Taylor, A. N., Science, 152, 791–793 (1966).
Cade, T. J., Lincer, J. L., White, C. M., Roseneau, D. G., and Swartz, L. G., Science, 172, 955–957 (1971).
Lowry, O. H., Rosebrough, N. J., Farr, A. L., and Randall, R. J., J. biol. Chem., 193, 265–275 (1951).
Hohman, W., and Schraer, H., J. Cell Biol., 30, 317–331 (1966).
Maren, T. H., Swenson, E. R., Miller, D. S., and Kinter, W. B., Bull. Mt Desert Isl Biol. Lab., 14, 63–68 (1974).
Maren, T. H., Physiol. Rev., 47, 595–781 (1967).
Peakall, D. B., in Environmental Dynamics of Pesticides (edit. by Haque, R. and Freed, V. H.), 343–360 (Plenum, New York, 1975).
Glick, N. B., in Metabolic Inhibitors (edit. by Hochster, R. M. Kates, M. and Quastel, J. H.), 3, 1–45 (Academic, New York, 1972).
Schatzmann, H. J., and Tshabold, M., Experientia, 27, 59–61 (1971).
O'Callaghan, M. A., and Duggan, P. F., Biochem. Pharmac., 24, 563–566 (1975).
Schraer, R., Elder, J. A., and Schraer, H., Fedn Proc., 32, 1938–1943 (1973).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MILLER, D., KINTER, W. & PEAKALL, D. Enzymatic basis for DDE-induced eggshell thinning in a sensitive bird. Nature 259, 122–124 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/259122a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/259122a0
This article is cited by
-
David S. Miller: Scientist, Mentor, Friend—a tribute and thank you
Fluids and Barriers of the CNS (2020)
-
Immunohistochemical localization of a calcium pump and calbindin-D28k in the oviduct of the laying hen
Histochemistry (1991)
-
Eggshell thinning in ring doves exposed top,p?-dicofol
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (1988)
-
Histochemical studies of Ca-ATPase, succinate and NAD+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenases in the shell gland of laying Japanese quails: with special reference to calcium-transporting cells
Histochemistry (1985)
-
Enzymatic changes in the oviduct associated with DDE-induced eggshell thinning in the kestrel,Falco sparverius
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology (1983)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
