Histologic and Ultrastructural Lesions of Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura) Poisoned by Lead Shot

Abstract

Studies were conducted in which mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) were administered lead shot, and their tissues were examined by histology and their kidneys were examined by electron microscopy. Doves that ingested four number 8 lead shot and were sacrificed 4 days later had highly elevated lead concentrations in kidney and had acid-fast intranuclear and acid-fast intracytoplasmic inclusions in the cells of the proximal convoluted tubules. Hemosiderin loading was present in the liver as was elevated concentrations of lead in liver. Doves that ingested either four or eight number 8 lead shot and were sacrificed 9 days later had elevated lead concentrations in liver, and hemosiderin loading was present. Acid-fast intranuclear inclusions were present in the proximal convoluted tubule cells. Kidney lead was highly elevated and cellular degeneration was evident with electron microscopic examination.