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Effect of lead on blood protoporphyrin levels of a group of ring teal ducks ( Callonetta leucophrys )
Author(s) -
Passer Eugene L.,
Leinaeng Rudean H.,
Birmingham Lennel W.,
Cruz Hector,
Dupervil Chantale,
Persaud Elizabeth J.,
Dolensek Emil P.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
zoo biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.5
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1098-2361
pISSN - 0733-3188
DOI - 10.1002/zoo.1430080406
Subject(s) - zinc protoporphyrin , protoporphyrin , biology , ring (chemistry) , lead poisoning , physiology , medicine , endocrinology , biochemistry , heme , chemistry , enzyme , porphyrin , organic chemistry , psychiatry
Abstract This research determined the relationships between blood lead level and zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPROTO), protoporphyrin IX (PROTO), and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) levels in a group of 18 ring teal ducks. Blood samples were drawn from two groups of ring teal ducks as part of the routine health maintenance program of the New York Zoological Park. One group of six teals had been exposed to what is believed to be lead‐contaminated dust, while the second group of twelve teals was unexposed. Blood samples were analyzed for lead by flameless atomic absorption and for protoporphyrins by fluorescence. Blood lead level and log blood lead level had positive correlations with each of the protoporphyrins: the logarithmic correlations were better than the nonlogarithmic correlations, and PROTO correlated better than ZnPROTO. With one exception, PROTO levels were higher than ZnPROTO levels. The results suggest that PROTO, FEP, or ZnPROTO could serve as a biological indicator of lead poisoning in ring teal ducks.