Abstract
This study was conducted to explore the role of the mixed-function oxidase (MFO) detoxication system in the “biochemical acclimatization” or adaptation of gulls to anthropic environments. In three different populations of black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) feeding in a lagoon, in municipal and industrial landfills, MFO microsomal hepatic activities (aldrin epoxidase, 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, NADPH-cytochrome c reductase, NADH-cytochrome c reductase, and NADH-ferricyanide reductase), microsomal α-naphthylacetate esterase activity, cytochrome P-450 forms, and chlorinated hydrocarbon residues were determined. Induction tests and in vitro comparative kinetics studies were completed between the different populations of gulls. The detoxicant activities of the MFO system were much higher in the landfill gulls, especially those of the industrial landfill, than in lagoon gulls. Lineweaver-Burk plots for aldrin epoxidase show an apparent Km four to five times lower in the gulls of the industrial landfill than in the other two populations. The origin of the potentiated detoxication activities in landfill gulls is investigated and the hypotheses of biochemical acclimatization and genetic adaptation are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
