Patterns of mortality and inhibition of brain and plasma ChE in birds treated with ChE inhibitors were studied in an attempt to determine the validity of using ChE activity as a monitoring and diagnostic technique. Analysis of brain ChE activity proved to be reliable for diagnosing and monitoring effects of selected ChE inhibitors in birds. Brain ChE inhibition exceeding 20% indicated exposure, and inhibition greater than 50% was sufficient for diagnosing cause of death. Individuals that died from dietary exposure to parathion or carbofuran had brain ChE activities below 55% of normal; although individuals could survive with brain ChE activity lower than 50%. Problems associated with collection, storage, and analysis of tissues for ChE activity are discussed.
Additional publication details
Publication type:
Article
Publication Subtype:
Journal Article
Title:
Cholinesterase (ChE) response and related mortality among birds fed ChE inhibitors
Series title:
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
Volume:
3
Issue:
1
Year Published:
1975
Language:
English
Contributing office(s):
Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description:
1-21
Larger Work Type:
Article
Larger Work Subtype:
Journal Article
Larger Work Title:
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
