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Circumpolar maternal blood contaminant survey, 1994-1997 organochlorine compounds.

During the past 20 years a number of studies have found neurological and immunological effects in the developing fetus and infants exposed to background or only slightly elevated levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). To address concerns arising from possible increased human exposure in the Arctic and possible effects of POPs, all circumpolar countries agreed in 1994 to monitoring of specific human tissues for contaminants in the Arctic under the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP). Mothers in eight circumpolar countries contributed blood samples that were analysed at a single laboratory for 14 PCB congeners (IUPAC No. 28, 52, 99, 105, 118, 128, 138, 153, 156, 170, 180, 183, 187) and 13 organochlorine pesticides (aldrin, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH), dichlordiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), diphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), dieldrin, heptachlorepoxide, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), mirex, and the chlordane derivatives alpha-chlordane, gamma-chlordane, cis-nonachlor, oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor). Inuit mothers from Greenland and Canada have significantly higher levels of oxychlordane, transnonachlor and mirex than mothers from Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Russia. Inuit mothers from Greenland also have significantly higher levels of these contaminants than Inuit mothers from Canada and Alaska. These differences among Inuit groups may represent regional dietary preferences or different contaminant deposition patterns across the Arctic. Levels of PCBs are also elevated among some arctic populations due to their consumption of marine mammals and are in the range where subtle effects on learning and the immune system have been reported. The Russian mothers who consume mainly food imported from southern Russia have elevated levels of DDT, DDE, beta-HCH and a higher proportion of lower chlorinated PCB congeners. This study has allowed an assessment of the variation of contaminants such as PCBs and various organochlorine pesticides (DDT, chlordane, etc.) in human populations around the circumpolar north.

Adult↗

Chlorobenzenes, chlorinated pesticides, coplanar chlorobiphenyls and other organochlorine compounds in Greenland biota.

This paper summarises the levels and composition of chlorobenzenes, chlorinated pesticides, coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the chlorinated compounds octachlorostyrene (OCS), hexachlorocyclobutadiene (HCBD) and pentachloro-anisole (PCA) in biota from the terrestrial, freshwater and marine environment of Greenland. The data were obtained during the second phase of the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP). Of the chlorobenzenes, hexachlorobenzene was the main constituent detected in almost all samples. The chlorobenzenes accumulate in the marine food web in a similar manner to the better-studied persistent organic pollutants, with maximum concentrations in beluga, minke whale and narwhal. However, concentrations in ringed seals and kittiwakes were lower than in marine fish, contradicting biomagnification. Of the organochlorine pesticides, the drin pesticides (aldrin, endrin, dieldrin) and heptachlor had increasing concentrations along the food chain, whilst biomagnification was less pronounced for endosulfan, methoxychlor and mirex. Endosulfan and methoxychlor are pesticides still in use and considered less persistent than other organochlorine pesticides. Their occurrence in Arctic biota is of particular concern, also given the high acute toxicity of endosulfan to fish. Chlorobenzene and pesticide concentrations tended to be lower in the Greenland samples than in the same animals from the Canadian Arctic, whilst their concentrations were similar to samples from Svalbard and Iceland. However, temporal trends might overlap the geographical differences. Coplanar chlorobiphenyls (CBs) were found in all samples analysed, with the maximum concentrations found in marine mammals such as beluga and narwhal. Biota from the terrestrial environment appeared to be less contaminated. The main contributor on a TEQ basis was CB126. OCS, HCBD and PCA were detected in biota from Greenland, although at very low concentrations. OCS seems to have the widest occurrence and the highest potential for biomagnification of the three compounds analysed.

Animals↗

Trends in fluctuating asymmetry in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from 1892 to 2002 in relation to organohalogen pollution.

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA) was studied in skulls of 283 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sampled in East Greenland from 1892 to 2002. Fourteen metric bilateral traits in skull and lower jaw were measured and compared between polar bears born until 1960 (n = 94) and from 1961 (n = 189). The period 1892-1960 was chosen to represent a period prior to appearance of organohalogens (polychlorinatedbiphenyls [PCBs], dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes [DDTs], hexacyclohexanes [HCHs], chlordanes [CHLs], hexachlorobenzene [HCB], polybrominateddiphenylethers [PBDEs] and dieldrin) originating from long-range transport to East Greenland from southern latitudes. The period 1961-2002 represents the period when polar bears have been exposed to organohalogens. During this latter period, the level of organochlorines is believed to have increased from 1960 to the late 1980s followed by a likely decrease from 1990 to 2002. Within this later period, other compounds such as, e.g., polybrominated flame retardants are believed to have increased throughout the period. Two different analysis showed, that the degree of fluctuating asymmetry did not differ statistically between the two periods in ten of thirteen traits (one trait excluded due to high measurement error). In fact, when significant differences were found in four of the traits, the fluctuating asymmetry was lower in skulls sampled after 1960. The degree of fluctuating asymmetry was higher in adults than in subadults for 6 of the 14 traits, whereas a higher degree of fluctuating asymmetry was found for only one trait in one of the analyses for subadults relative to adults. Females had a higher degree of fluctuating asymmetry than males in one trait. A time trend analysis did find fluctuations over time for five traits but the relationship was weak as the trend appeared to occur by chance due to the high number of regressions analysed (n = 42). A correlation analysis of FA versus the sum concentrations of various classes of organohalogens in adipose tissue from a subsample of 94 recently collected polar bears (1999-2002) did not show a trend either. Hence, the present study could not document a relationship between skull asymmetry in polar bears and periods with different exposure to organohalogens. These findings are possibly influenced by nutritional status, genetic factors, a subeffect exposure of organohalogens or confounded by other environmental factors (e.g. temperature) within the two investigated periods.

Adipose Tissue↗

Organochlorines (PCBs and pesticides) in the bivalves Anadara (Senilis) senilis, Crassostrea tulipa and Perna perna from the lagoons of Ghana.

The bivalves, Anadara (Senilia) senilis (n=95), Crassostrea tulipa (n=75) and Perna perna (n=30) from Ghana, were analyzed for their organochlorines (pesticides and PCBs) concentrations and the body burden. A comparison was done based on two different standard PCB mixtures (Aroclor 1254 and 1260) with the percentage individual congener contribution and that of the sample. From these comparisons, it appeared that the pattern of PCB residues in the samples was neither Aroclor 1254 nor 1260. On the other hand, there was seasonal qualitative difference in the pattern that is purely marine (in the dry season) versus terrestrial input (in the wet season). SigmaPCB was 0.10 microg/g dw or 2.2 microg/g lw (median values). There was no correlation between PCB concentration and lipid content reflecting the importance of indirect contamination of the bivalves. The pesticides, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, lindane, DDTs, HCH, HCB, endosulfan, heptachlor epoxide and heptachlor, were detected. The most abundant pesticides were the SigmaDDT: 73 and SigmaHCH: 29 ng/g dw. DDT/DDE and hept./heptachlor epoxide ratios reflect their recent applications, while the ratio for aldrin/dieldrin suggests that the use of aldrin has been discontinued, at least on the coast of Ghana.

Animals↗

Environmental contaminants and biomarker responses in fish from the Rio Grande and its U.S. tributaries: spatial and temporal trends.

We collected, examined, and analyzed 368 fish of seven species from 10 sites on rivers of the Rio Grande Basin (RGB) during late 1997 and early 1998 to document temporal and geographic trends in the concentrations of accumulative contaminants and to assess contaminant effects on the fish. Sites were located on the mainstem of the Rio Grande and on the Arroyo Colorado and Pecos River in Texas (TX), New Mexico (NM), and Colorado. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were the targeted species. Fish were examined in the field for internal and external visible gross lesions, selected organs were weighed to compute ponderal and organosomatic indices, and samples of tissues and fluids were obtained and preserved for analysis of fish health and reproductive biomarkers. Whole fish from each station were composited by species and gender and analyzed for organochlorine chemical residues and elemental contaminants using instrumental methods, and for 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro dibenzo-p-dioxin-like activity (TCDD-EQ) using the H4IIE rat hepatoma cell bioassay. Overall, fish from lower RGB stations contained greater concentrations of organochlorine pesticide residues and appeared to be less healthy than those from sites in the central and upper parts of the basin, as indicated by a general gradient of residue concentrations and biomarker responses. A minimal number of altered biomarkers and few or no elevated contaminant concentrations were noted in fish from the upper RGB. The exception was elevated concentrations [up to 0.46 microg/g wet-weight (ww)] of total mercury (Hg) in predatory species from the Rio Grande at Elephant Butte Reservoir, NM, a condition documented in previous studies. Arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) concentrations were greatest in fish from sites in the central RGB; Se concentrations in fish from the Pecos River at Red Bluff Lake, TX and from the Rio Grande at Langtry, TX and Amistad International Reservoir, TX exceeded published fish and wildlife toxicity thresholds. In the lower RGB, residues of p,p'-DDT metabolites (<or=1.69 microg/g ww), chlordane-related compounds (<or=0.21 microg/g ww), dieldrin (<or=0.0.05 microg/g ww), and toxaphene (<or=2.4 microg/g ww) were detected in fish from most sites; maximum concentrations were in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) from the Arroyo Colorado at Harlingen, TX. Concentrations of one or more residues exceeded toxicity thresholds for fish and wildlife in fish from this site and from the Rio Grande at Mission, TX and Brownsville, TX; however, concentrations were lower than those reported by previous studies. In addition, the proportional concentrations of p,p'-DDT at all sites were low, indicating weathered DDT rather than the influx of new material. Concentrations of total PCBs (<0.05 microg/g ww) and TCDD-EQ (<or=6 pg/g ww) were comparatively low in all samples. Hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity in some fish was elevated relative to reference rates at most sites, but was generally lower than previously reported activity in fish from heavily contaminated locations. The comparatively low PCB and TCDD-EQ concentrations together with elevated EROD activity may reflect exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Reproductive biomarkers were consistent with chronic contaminant exposure at lower RGB sites; comparatively large percentages of intersex male largemouth bass, relatively low gonadosomatic indices, and elevated plasma vitellogenin concentrations in male fish were noted at three of the four stations. Large percentages of atretic eggs were also observed in the ovaries of female common carp from the Rio Grande at Brownsville, TX. Although many of the conditions noted may have other causes in addition to contaminant exposure, the biomarker results for the lower RGB sites are consistent with subtle responses of fish to contaminants, an interpretation supported by the chemical data of this and other investigations.

Animals↗

Organochlorines and trace elements in upland game birds harvested in Canada.

American woodcock, common snipe, two species of ptarmigan (willow and rock), and three species of grouse (ruffed, spruce, and sharp-tailed) were collected from 21 locations between 1991 and 1994 as part of a nationwide survey of contaminants in game birds harvested in Canada. Breast muscle was analysed for organochlorines (chlorobenzenes, hexachlorocyclohexanes, chlordane-related compounds, DDT metabolites, mirex, dieldrin, and PCBs) and trace elements (Hg, Cd, Se, and As). The concentrations of organochlorine compounds measured in breast muscle of the birds in this survey were very low. Median concentrations for the organochlorines measured were less than 0.001 mg kg-1 in breast muscle of all ptarmigan and grouse species sampled. Only SigmaPCB, SigmaDDT and SigmaCHL were found above trace levels in breast muscle of all of the woodcock, and only SigmaPCB and SigmaDDT were found above trace levels in the snipe. Total Hg was detected only in the woodcock and the snipe whereas Se was above detection levels in all samples of all species except one sample pool of willow ptarmigan from Nunavut. Cadmium was detected in all species except for the spruce and sharp-tailed grouse with the highest overall concentrations found in the ptarmigan species. Arsenic was detected in all of the woodcock and snipe samples but was not found in any of the grouse samples. The highest Hg and As concentrations were both found in snipe sampled from southeastern New Brunswick. Concentrations of As, Hg and Se measured in breast muscle of the birds in this survey were below toxicological threshold levels found in the literature. Concentrations of Cd, however, were elevated in some birds, particularly in willow ptarmigan from the Yukon. Health Canada determined that the organochlorine and trace element levels found in samples of breast muscle of game birds analysed in this study did not pose a health hazard to human consumers and therefore these birds were safe to eat.

Animals↗

Pesticide exposure of non-occupationally exposed subjects compared to some occupational exposure: a French pilot study.

Data about non-dietary exposure to different chemical classes of pesticides are scarce, especially in France. Our objective was to assess residential pesticide exposure of non-occupationally exposed adults, and to compare it with occupational exposure of subjects working indoors. Twenty unexposed persons, five gardeners, seven florists and nine veterinary workers living in Paris area were recruited. Nineteen residences, two greenhouses, three florist shops and three veterinary departments were then sampled. Thirty-eight insecticides, herbicides and fungicides were measured in indoor air with an air sampler for 24 h, and on hands by wiping them with isopropanol-wetted swabs. After extraction, samples were analysed by gas and high-performance liquid chromatography. Seventeen different pesticides were detected at least once in indoor air and twenty-one on the hands. An average of 4.2+/-1.7 different pesticides was detected per indoor air sample. The organochlorines lindane, alpha-endosulfan and alpha-HCH were the most frequently detected compounds, in 97%, 69% and 38% of the samples, respectively. The organophosphates dichlorvos and fenthion, the carbamate propoxur and the herbicides atrazine and alachlor were detected in more than 20% of the air samples. Indoor air concentrations were often low, but could reach 200-300 ng/m(3) in residences for atrazine and propoxur. Propoxur levels significantly differed between the air of veterinary places and other places (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.05) and dieldrin levels between residences and workplaces (p<0.05). There was a greater number of pesticides on hands than in air, with an average of 6.3+/-3.3 different pesticides detected per sample, the most frequently detected being malathion, lindane and trifluralin, in more than 60% of the subjects. Maximal levels (up to 1000-3000 ng/hands) were observed either in the general population or in workers, depending on the pesticide. However, no significant difference was observed between workers and general population handwipe pesticide levels. As expected, gardeners were exposed to pesticides sprayed in greenhouses. Florists and veterinary workers, whose pesticide exposure had not been described until now, were also indirectly exposed to pesticides used for former pest control operations. Overall, general population was exposed to more various pesticides and at levels sometimes higher than in occupational places. The most frequent pesticides in residences were not the same as in US studies but levels were similar. These preliminary results need to be confirmed in a greater number of residences from different parts of the country, in order to better assess pesticide exposure of the general population and its influencing factors.

Acetamides↗

Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) egg yolk concentrations of persistent organic pollutants and lipid increase during the last stage of embryonic development.

Data are scarce describing the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides in sea turtle eggs. The purpose of this study was to establish appropriate sample collection methodology to monitor these contaminants in sea turtle eggs. Contaminant concentrations were measured in yolk samples from eggs that failed to hatch from three loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nests collected in southern Florida to determine if concentrations change through embryonic development. One to three egg yolk samples per nest were analyzed from early, middle, and late developmental stages (n=22 eggs total). PCB and pesticide concentrations were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). Geometric mean concentrations of summation operatorPCBs (52 congeners), summation operatorDDTs, summation operatorchlordanes, and dieldrin in all eggs were 65.0 (range=7.11 to 3930 ng/g lipid), 67.1 (range=7.88 to 1340 ng/g lipid), 37.0 (range=4.04 to 685 ng/g lipid), and 11.1 ng/g lipid (range=1.69 to 44.0 ng/g lipid), respectively. Early and middle developmental stage samples had similar concentrations of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides on a wet-mass basis (ng/g tissue extracted), but the concentrations doubled by the late stage. This increase is most likely attributable to the 50% increase in lipid content observed in the late-stage yolk. These findings indicate that an early-stage sample cannot be directly compared to a late-stage sample, especially from different nests. These preliminary findings also allowed us to calculate the minimum number of eggs per nest required for analysis to obtain an acceptable mean concentration per nest. More research is required to investigate geographical trends of contaminant concentrations and potential health effects (i.e., abnormalities) caused by these contaminants on sea turtle development.

Animals↗

Composition of chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants among major adipose tissue depots of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the Canadian high Arctic.

Monitoring of environmental contaminants in Canadian Arctic polar bears (Ursus maritimus) typically has used superficial adipose tissue samples collected as part of controlled native subsistence hunts. However, little attention has been paid to the compositional difference in contaminants that may exist among the major adipose depots that are routinely collected. To address this knowledge gap, we investigated the profiles and concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants (CHCs), including major polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and organochlorine (OC) pesticides and metabolites, in six major adipose depots (i.e. superficial, inter-muscular and intra-abdominal regions) obtained from adult male polar bears in the vicinity of Resolute Bay, Canadian high Arctic. Concentrations and congener patterns of PCBs (20 congeners) and OCs (14 compounds; chlordanes and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes and metabolites, chlorinated benzenes, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, octachlorostyrene and dieldrin) were found to be relatively uniform throughout the adipose tissue of male polar bears. The only exception was the inter-muscular adipose depot from the cervical region, which was characterized, compared to other major depots routinely sampled, by lower proportions of higher-chlorinated and recalcitrant congeners such as CB170/190, 180, 194 and 206, and higher contribution of the lower-chlorinated PCBs, CB47, 74 and 99. No difference in the OC makeup and concentrations was found among the adipose depots investigated. In view of this, we conclude that the determination of CHCs in adipose tissue of polar bears from any major depots, with the potential exception of the fat under the neck muscles, would give a representative picture of the overall CHC composition and concentrations in polar bear fat for purpose of trend monitoring.

Adipose Tissue↗

Xenoestrogens are potent activators of nongenomic estrogenic responses.

Studies of the nuclear transcriptional regulatory activities of non-physiological estrogens have not explained their actions in mediating endocrine disruption in animals and humans at the low concentrations widespread in the environment. However, xenoestrogens have rarely been tested for their ability to participate in the plethora of nongenomic steroid signaling pathways elucidated over the last several years. Here we review what is known about such responses in comparison to our recent evidence that xenoestrogens can rapidly and potently elicit signaling through nongenomic pathways culminating in functional endpoints. Both estradiol (E(2)) and compounds representing various classes of xenoestrogens (diethylstilbestrol, coumestrol, bisphenol A, DDE, nonylphenol, endosulfan, and dieldrin) act via a membrane version of the estrogen receptor-alpha on pituitary cells, and can provoke Ca(2+) influx via L-type channels, leading to prolactin (PRL) secretion. These hormones and mimetics can also cause the oscillating activation of extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs). However, individual estrogen mimetics differ in their potency and temporal phasing of these activations compared to each other and to E(2). It is perhaps in these ways that they disrupt some endocrine functions when acting in combination with physiological estrogens. Our quantitative assays allow comparison of these outcomes for each mimetic, and let us build a detailed picture of alternative signaling pathway usage. Such an understanding should allow us to determine the estrogenic or antiestrogenic potential of different types of xenoestrogens, and help us to develop strategies for preventing xenoestrogenic disruption of estrogen action in many tissues.

Animals↗

Activation of retinoic acid receptor-dependent transcription by organochlorine pesticides.

Five organochlorine pesticides, namely, chlordane, dieldrin, aldrin, endrin, and endosulfan, activate human retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-mediated gene transcription via a retinoic acid response element (RARE). Transactivation studies were performed with stable RARalpha, beta, or gamma reporter cell lines in which the RAR DNA-binding domain (DBD) was replaced by that of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha)? Five of the organochlorine pesticides tested activated RARbeta and RARgamma but not RARalpha; their half-maximal luciferase activity (EC(50)) was determined. Furthermore, that activity was RAR-specific and organochlorine pesticides did not activate the retinoid X receptor (RXR) pathway. However, competitive binding experiments with [(3)H]-CD367, a pan-RAR agonist, showed that only chlordane could bind RARbeta and RARgamma, albeit with low affinity. In addition, organochlorine pesticides strongly induce cytochrome P450RAI1 (P450RAI1), a key factor of retinoic acid level regulation in many tissues and whose expression and activity are strongly induced by retinoic acid. This study shows that organochlorine pesticides can activate two RAR homologues, with low-binding affinity. Although the agonistic potential of organochlorine pesticides is lower than that of (E)-4-[2-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl)-1-propenyl] benzoic acid (TTNPB), they are able to induce RAR-mediated gene transcription as P450RAI1 and may disrupt the retinoid signaling pathway. Because these chemicals are extremely persistent and tend to accumulate in biological tissues, these results support the hypothesis that the increase in teratogenicity observed in some developing countries could be due to prolonged exposure to organochlorine pesticides ubiquitously present in the environment.

Animals↗

Effects of currently used pesticides in the AhR-CALUX assay: comparison between the human TV101L and the rat H4IIE cell line.

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates many of the biologic and toxicological effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds. The in vitro chemically activated luciferase expression (CALUX) assay has been proven to be a rapid and sensitive assay for assessing the potency of AhR-activating compounds. We have used the AhR-CALUX assay to investigate the AhR-mediated activity of the persistent organochlorine insecticide dieldrin and twenty-two pesticides currently used in Denmark by employing the rat H4IIE and the human TV101L hepatoma cell lines. In comparison the results indicated that the rat H4IIE cell line is more sensitive than the human TV101L for detection of TCDD inducing AhR-CALUX activity. The pesticides iprodione, chlorpyrifos and prochloraz showed dose-dependent AhR agonistic effects in both cell lines at concentrations above 10, 1 and 1 microM, respectively. However, some pesticides (methiocarb, chlorothalonil, tribenuron-methyl, paclobutrazol and tolchlofos-methyl) elicited differential responses in the two cell lines.

Animals↗

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the sewage treatment plant of Thessaloniki, northern Greece: occurrence and removal.

The occurrence and the removal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) during the conventional activated sludge treatment process were investigated in the wastewater treatment plant of the city of Thessaloniki, northern Greece. POPs of interest were seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 19 organochlorine pesticides. Target compounds were determined at six different points across the treatment system. Most abundant compounds in raw wastewater at all treatment stages were PCB-52, PCB-110, PCB-180 and Heptachlor-exo-epoxide. Quintozene occurred frequently but in relatively low concentrations. Hexachlorocyclohexanes, DDT and its metabolites (DDE, DDD) and Aldrin, Dieldrin, Endrin, Isodrin ("Drins") were found at medium or low frequencies and in concentrations close to their detection limits. Removal percentages throughout the whole treatment process ranged from 65% to 91% for individual POP species. Significant linear relationship was observed between removal efficiency and log Kow for PCBs suggesting that compounds with a strong hydrophobic character are principally removed through sorption to sludge particles and transfer to the sludge processing systems. Total PCBs' concentrations in sewage sludge ranged between 185 and 765 ng g(-1) dw being below the EU limit for use of sludge in agriculture.

Environmental Monitoring↗

Bionomics of Anopheles sacharovi in Ardebil province, northwestern Iran during a larval control program.

Studies were conducted on the ecology of Anopheles sacharovi over a period of 12 months in Parsabad and Germi counties, Ardebil province, Iran. The species was active from June to late November with one peak of activity in early August on the plain of Parsabad, and from late June to late November with one peak of activity in late August in mountainous areas of Germi. Chemical analysis of the water in larval habitats showed that the water contained calcium bicarbonate and sodium sulphate, and the limit of salinity was 263--414 mg/l. Dissection of A. sacharovi from three villages during July in Parsabad indicated a very low parity rates all were found negative for sporozoites. ELISA testing of 210 blood meals of the species, showed that few of those found in cowsheds or chicken coops had fed on humans, but of those found in bedrooms 38.5% had fed on humans. Insecticide susceptibility tests showed that the species is susceptible to malathion and propoxur but resistant to DDT and dieldrin.

Animals↗

Interaction of anisatin with rat brain gamma-aminobutyric acidA receptors: allosteric modulation by competitive antagonists.

Anisatin, a toxic sesquiterpene isolated from the Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum L.), competitively inhibited the specific binding of [3H]4'-ethynyl-4-n-propylbicycloorthobenzoate ([3H]EBOB), a non-competitive antagonist of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptors, to rat brain membranes with an IC50 value of 0.43 microM. R 5135, a competitive GABA antagonist, decreased the potency of anisatin in inhibiting [3H]EBOB binding in a negatively cooperative manner. Two other competitive antagonists, SR 95531 (gabazine) and (-)-bicuculline methiodide, had similar effects. On the other hand, R 5135 exerted little influence on the potencies of the other non-competitive antagonists tested: EBOB, picrotoxinin, isopropylbicyclophosphate, and dieldrin. Thus, anisatin was clearly different from the other non-competitive antagonists in responding to the action of competitive antagonists on (GABA)A receptors. These findings suggest that the binding region of anisatin might overlap with that of the other non-competitive antagonists, but that anisatin must interact with other specific region(s).

Affinity Labels↗

Extraction and clean-up procedure for analysis of organochlorine pesticide residues in ethoxylated lanolin.

In the present study an evaluation was made of a method for the determination of organochlorine pesticide residues in ethoxylated lanolin. Samples were homogenized with Celite, transferred to chromatographic columns, prepacked with silica gel deactivated to 10%. The pesticide elution was processed with n-hexane-dichloromethane and the concentrated eluate was analyzed using gas-liquid chromatography (GC) with electron capture detection (ECD). The composition of the elution solvent was a significant factor for the recovery of the pesticides. Mean recoveries obtained for fortified samples ranged from 87 to 94% for p,p'-DDE, dieldrin, endrin, p,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDT. Optimization of the experimental conditions resulted in a small-scale method that combines extraction and cleanup in a single step.

Animals↗

A surprising case of endrin poisoning in dogs.

A case of possible malicious poisoning of dogs by endrin was investigated. A variety of tissues were analysed. The stomach contents of one dog contained 5 g/kg endrin. The results are compared with recorded data from feeding studies pursued elsewhere to aid the diagnosis of dieldrin and endrin intoxication. A number of organochlorine compounds closely related chemically to endrin were tentatively identified.

Animals↗

Solid-phase microextraction for organochlorine pesticide residues analysis in Chinese herbal formulations.

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine pesticide residues in Chinese herbal formulations. Fibers coated with a 100-microm film thickness of poly(dimethylsiloxane) was used to extract 19 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The pesticides in the study consisted of alpha-, beta-, gamma-and delta-hexachlorocyclohexane, p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, endrin ketone, endosulfan (I, II and sulfate), heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and methoxychlor. The optimal experimental procedures for the adsorption and desorption of pesticides were evaluated. The linearity was obtained with a precision below 11% RSD for the studied pesticides expect endosulfan sulfate (21%) in a wide range from 1 to 200 ng/g. Detection limits were reached at below ng/g levels. Heptachlor epoxide was determined at a calculated limit of 0.03 ng/g. Comparison between SPME and Soxhlet extraction showed that SPME has a less than one order detection limit for residue pesticide determination. The proposed method was tested by analyzing herbal formulations from a local market for OCP multiresidues. Some residues studied were detected in the analyzed samples. The results demonstrate the suitability of the SPME-GC-MS approach for the analysis of multi-residue OCPs in Chinese herbal formulations.

Drugs, Chinese Herbal↗