Distribution Of Metals In Tissues Research Articles

Tissue distribution of metals in loggerhead turtles ( Caretta caretta) stranded in the Canary Islands, Spain

Tissue distribution of metals in loggerhead turtles ( Caretta caretta) stranded in the Canary Islands, Spain

Copper and zinc handling during the moult cycle of male and female shore crabs Carcinus maenas

Tissue concentrations and contents of copper and zinc were determined at 11 different stages of the moult cycle in male and female shore crabs Carcinus maenas. Metal concentrations in haemolymph, gills, midgut gland, muscle, and exoskeleton of males and haemolymph, gills, and midgut gland of females were determined, as were haemocyanin concentrations and haemolymph volumes (using 14C-inulin) in males. The changes in tissue Cu and Zn concentrations and contents that occur throughout the moult cycle can be attributed to muscle breakdown in late premoult, the period of starvation in late premoult and early postmoult, the resorption from and shedding of the old exoskeleton, and the dilution of the haemolymph caused by water uptake around the time of ecdysis. The present study demonstrates that whole-body Cu and Zn contents remain constant during a large part of the moult cycle of male and female C. maenas. This state of whole-body trace metal homeostasis is maintained in spite of major changes in tissue proportions and tissue Cu and Zn concentrations and contents. Previous studies have not carried out the necessary analysis to move from theoretical estimates to quantitative determination of the changes in tissue metal distribution associated with moulting in crustaceans; the data presented illustrate the necessity of measuring both tissue concentrations and contents of metals to avoid misinterpretation of either.

Morphological plasticity in metal‐sequestering earthworm chloragocytes: Morphometric electron microscopy provides a biomarker of exposure in field populations

AbstractMorphometric measurements of the volume fractions (Vv) of two prominent metal‐sequestering compartments, chloragosome granules and debris vesicles, were made on transmission electron micrographs of chloragocytes in Dendrodrilus rubidus (Annelida: Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) from one uncontaminated site and three qualitatively and quantitatively different metalliferous soils associated with disused Pb/Zn mines. We also examined the relative volume fractions of the alimentary wall and attached chloragogenous tissue by light microscopy. Several conclusions relevant to environmental diagnostics were reached: Metal identity and degree of soil pollution exert strong effects on chloragocyte ultrastructure; morphometry by light microscopy indicated that the metal‐induced structural effects are characterized by intracellular alterations not accompanied by a significant expansion of the tissue volume; elevated metal burdens can reduce chloragosome Vv and, concomitantly, increase the Vv of their autophagic derivatives, the debris vesicles; the measured cellular alterations were more closely correlated with integrated tissue metal burdens than they were with integrated soil metal burdens; and estimates of tissue metal distribution, derived by combining morphometric data and published whole‐worm and chloragosome metal concentrations, suggested that the alimentary wall of earthworms may sequester Pb, Zn, and Cd. Our study shows that cellular changes, directly or indirectly, may yield quantifiable expressions of metal loads bioaccumulated by earthworms. However, the practical use of cellular changes as biomarkers of soil quality probably will require automated light‐microscopic morphometry in combination with organelle‐specific molecular probes to be cost effective.

MORPHOLOGICAL PLASTICITY IN METAL-SEQUESTERING EARTHWORM CHLORAGOCYTES: MORPHOMETRIC ELECTRON MICROSCOPY PROVIDES A BIOMARKER OF EXPOSURE IN FIELD POPULATIONS

Morphometric measurements of the volume fractions (Vv) of two prominent metal-sequestering compartments, chloragosome granules and debris vesicles, were made on transmission electron micrographs of chloragocytes in Dendrodrilus rubidus (Annelida: Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) from one uncontaminated site and three qualitatively and quantitatively different metalliferous soils associated with disused Pb/Zn mines. We also examined the relative volume fractions of the alimentary wall and attached chloragogenous tissue by light microscopy. Several conclusions relevant to environmental diagnostics were reached: Metal identity and degree of soil pollution exert strong effects on chloragocyte ultrastructure; morphometry by light microscopy indicated that the metal-induced structural effects are characterized by intracellular alterations not accompanied by a significant expansion of the tissue volume; elevated metal burdens can reduce chloragosome Vv and, concomitantly, increase the Vv of their autophagic derivatives, the debris vesicles; the measured cellular alterations were more closely correlated with integrated tissue metal burdens than they were with integrated soil metal burdens; and estimates of tissue metal distribution, derived by combining morphometric data and published whole-worm and chloragosome metal concentrations, suggested that the alimentary wall of earthworms may sequester Pb, Zn, and Cd. Our study shows that cellular changes, directly or indirectly, may yield quantifiable expressions of metal loads bioaccumulated by earthworms. However, the practical use of cellular changes as biomarkers of soil quality probably will require automated light-microscopic morphometry in combination with organelle-specific molecular probes to be cost effective.

Species-Specific Distribution of Heavy Metals in Tissues and Organs of Loggerhead Turtle ( Caretta caretta) and Green Turtle ( Chelonia mydas) from Japanese Coastal Waters

Concentrations of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, Co and Hg) were determined in tissues and organs of loggerhead ( Caretta caretta) and green turtles ( Chelonia mydas) collected from Japanese coastal waters, in order to elucidate body distribution and to develop a non-lethal monitoring technique using the carapace. A majority of the metal burdens was present in the muscle, liver, bone and carapace of sea turtles. High Cu concentrations exceeding 10 μg/g wet wt were observed in the liver of these two turtle species. Mean Zn concentrations in fat tissues of loggerhead and green turtles were 94.6 and 51.3 μg/g wet wt respectively, which were about 10-fold higher than those reported in other marine animals. Concentrations of Mn, Zn and Hg in the carapace were correlated with whole body burdens, indicating that the carapace is a useful non-lethal indicator for monitoring heavy metal levels in the body of the sea turtle.

Metals in Herring and Great Black-Backed Gulls from the New York Bight: the Role of Salt Gland in Excretion

We examined the tissue distribution ofmetals in the herring (Larus argentatus) andgreat black-backed (Larus marinus) gullsobtained near the John F. Kennedy Airport, on LongIsland, New York, to determine whether there werespecies differences and whether levels in the saltgland were sufficiently high to suggest that thisorgan may be serving an excretory function. For mostorgans, herring gulls had significantly higher levelsof lead (except for liver), but significantly lowerlevels of mercury (except in the salt gland) thangreat black-backed gulls. For all metals exceptarsenic, there were significant differences inconcentrations among tissues for both species. Greatblack-backed gulls had much higher concentrations ofcadmium in kidney than in any other organ and this wasmuch higher than the level in herring gulls; herringgulls had much higher levels than black-backs of leadin salt glands. For both species, concentrations inkidney, liver and salt gland were generally higherthan in heart muscle or pectoral muscle. For herringgulls, the concentrations of all metals in the saltglands were not significantly different from the organwith the highest values (liver or kidney). For greatblack-backed gulls this was true only for lead,selenium, chromium, and mercury. We examined theratio of metals in all organs to the liverconcentration. Very low ratios ( 2) included lead (2.75:1) and cadmium(14.3:1) in kidney of black-backs. In greatblack-backs the kidney:salt gland ratio was >1.5:1except for mercury (1.31:1) and chromium (0.83:1),while in herring gulls all ratios were between 0.7 and1.2, except for mercury (0.46:1), reflecting therelatively higher concentrations of metals in the saltgland of this species. We suggest that most heavymetals seem to be concentrating in the salt glands ofgulls, within an order of magnitude of the kidneyconcentration, and that salt glands may be serving asignificant excretory function for these cations.

Tissue distribution of metals in striped dolphins ( Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Apulian coasts, Southern Italy

Tissue distributions of metals (mercury, lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese) were determined in six specimens of striped dolphins ( Stenella coeruleoalba, Meyen) stranded on the Apulian coasts (Southern Italy) between February and June 1987. Methyl mercury and selenium were also determined in the liver samples. The liver accumulated the highest concentrations of metals, except for cadmium and chromium. Metal levels were higher than those found in dolphins living in the Atlantic, but lower than those recorded in the same species from the French Mediterranean coasts. Necroscopic surveys found that all specimens were affected by haemorrhagic gastritis, but the cause was not clear. While it was not possible to related the death of dolphins to a specific cause, or to contaminants, the accumulation of metals is likely to contribute to the health of the organism and represents a risk factor for dolphins.

Distribution and age-related changes of trace elements in kittiwake Rissa tridactyla nestlings from an isolated colony in the German Bight, North Sea

Tissue distribution of five trace elements (Se, Hg, Cd, Zn, Cu) was investigated in soft tissues and feathers of Kittiwake nestlings from the Island of Helgoland, North Sea. The tissue distribution of metals was similar in all age classes. Feathers and down contained highest mercury and zinc concentrations, whereas elevated levels of selenium and cadmium were found in the kidney. The concentrations of cadmium, copper and zinc in liver and kidney were low in hatchlings and increased with age of the nestlings, indicating the importance of the ingestion of contaminated food during chick growth. In the case of mercury, concentrations were high shortly after hatching and decreased when the chicks grew older. This indicates, that egg contamination was more important in chicks than contaminated food items. The total liver burden of all trace elements increased throughout chick development. Significant positive correlations between essential and non-essential elements were found in liver and/or kidney of all age classes. However, only the correlations between zinc and copper levels maintained throughout chick growth. The number of interactions between elements were increasing with progressing chick age. Correlations between cadmium and the essential elements copper and zinc appeared to depend on contaminant levels of cadmium, whereas mercury was correlated to essential elements in low and highly contaminated chicks. It was demonstrated that particularly older chicks (≥ 6 days old) were reliable bioindicators of mercury and cadmium contaminations around Helgoland Island.

Retrieval analyses of total hip replacements

Metal ion release was assessed in 31 patients with loosening of total hip replacements (THR). Three types of alloys were used for these prostheses: stainless steel (9/31), Ni-Cr-Mo (5/31) and Co-Cr (17/31). The exposure periods were from 2 to 15 years.Intracellular deposits were observed in macrophages, fibroblasts, histiocytes and numerous multinucleated giant cells. X-ray microprobe analyses by energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) on ultrathin sections revealed the presence of elements contained in the alloys (Ni, Cr, Fe, Mo) and of additional elements, in particular P, CI, Ca and S. Co was only detected in wear particles. Metal distribution in tissues and body fluids was related to the alloys used. Stainless steel THR induced the lowest metal concentrations, Ni-Cr-Mo alloys showed high increases of Ni and Cr. Co-Cr alloys induced very high Co levels: 100- to 400-fold concentrations in body fluids and 600- to 1000-fold concentrations in tissues with respect to normal upper levels. The metal clearing was studied in three patients with Co-Cr-THR. Two years after removal, only Ni reached normal values. The sometimes alarming high concentrations should lead to a systematic follow up and surveillance of patients.

Concentration and distribution of heavy metals in tissues of wild and farmed shrimp Penaeus vannamei from the northwest coast of Mexico

The concentration and distribution of Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Zn among the tissues of wild and farmed pre-adult shrimp Penaeus vannamei collected from the northwest coast of México was determined. Distinct inter-tissue and inter-site differences in metal concentrations were observed. In general, highest concentrations of Zn, Ni, and Cd were found in hepatopancreas while higher levels of Cu and Fe occurred in gills. The highest Mn concentrations were noted in the antennal organs and exoskeleton. Differences between shrimps were evident in the exoskeleton (for both sexes) and hepatic material (females). The farmed shrimp (larger in size) accumulated more Fe than the wild shrimp. Similarly, in the hard tissues (exoskeleton and antennal organs) the farmed shrimp accumulated more Cu than the wild shrimp for both sexes, while the wild shrimp accumulated more Mn than the farmed shrimp in the hard tissues of both sexes.

Distribution of heavy metals in tissues of the shrimp Penaeus californiensis from the northwest coast of Mexico.

The brown shrimp, Penaeus californiensis Holmes, is an Eastern Pacific species which is geographically distributed from San Francisco, California, USA, including the Gulf of California, to Callao, Peru. In Mexico and particularly in the Pacific Coast, this crustacean supports 75% of the commercial catch of shrimp. Knowledge of the distribution of metals in isolated tissues of marine organisms is useful in order to identify specific organs that may be particularly selective and sensitive to accumulation of heavy metals. This paper presents data on the levels of Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Zn in five different tissues of the P. californiensis populations from the northwest coast of Mexico. Additionally, the accumulation of metals by males and females is examined. 16 refs., 2 figs., 1 tab.

Concentration and distribution of heavy metals in tissues of two cephalopods, Eledone cirrhosa and Sepia officinalis, from the French coast of the English Channel

The concentrations of 11 heavy metals (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were measured in the tissues (digestive gland, branchial hearts, gills, digestive tract, kidney, genital tract, muscle, skin, shell) of the two cephalopods Eledone cirrhosa (d'Orb.) and Sepia officinalis (L.) collected from the French coast of the English Channel in October 1987. The tissues of both species displayed a similar pattern of heavy-metal accumulation: the digestive gland, branchial hearts and kidney were the major sites of concentration for all 11 metals; the digestive gland accumulated silver, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead and zinc, the branchial hearts high concentrations of copper, nickel and vanadium, and the kidney high concentrations of manganese, nickel and lead. The digestive gland, which constituted 6 to 10% of the whole-animal tissue, contained >80% of the total body burden of Ag, Cd and Co and from 40 to 80% of the total body burden of the other metals. The ratios between heavy metal concentrations in the digestive gland and those in the muscle separated the elements into three groups, those with a ratio ≤10 (Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Zn), those with a ratio >10 to <50 (Co, Cu, Fe), and those with a ratio ≥50 (Ag, Cd). The digestive gland of cephalopods (carnivorous molluscs whose age can be easily calculated with great accuracy) would seem to constitute a good potential indicator of heavy metal concentrations in the marine environment.

Effect of chronic cadmium administration on liver and kidney concentrations of zinc, copper, iron, manganese, and chromium.

Chronic Cd exposure in animals brings about significant morphological and functional changes in both liver and kidney. Most studies of cadmium effects on essential metal tissue distribution involve large concentrations of either Cd or essential metals added to the diet. The effect of Cd ingestion on trace metal metabolism of animals consuming usual diets may be marked, as elements whose physical and chemical properties are enough alike...will act antagonistically to each other biologically. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to observe the effects of a chronic low dose of Cd added to an otherwise normal diet on the liver and kidney accumulation of zinc, copper, iron, manganese and chromium in the mouse at different times after the cessation of cadmium ingestion.

Effects of in-utero exposure to cadmium on the brain biogenic amine levels and tissue metal distribution in rats.

The effects of cadmium in pups born to rats exposed, during the gestation period, to low levels of Cd (4.2 and 8.4μg Cd2+/ml drinking water) on the brain biogenic amines and tissue metal distribution were studied. A significant increase in 5-HT level in whole brain was observed at day 1 of age, while after 90 days of withdrawal of treatment, increases in striatal DA and cortical 5-HT were evident. Zn level registered an increase in brain but a decrease in liver. Cu level was reduced in all the three regions studied, viz., brain, liver and kidney, at day 1 of age while after 90 days of withdrawal of treatment the effect persisted in liver. Cd levels showed significant increase only at day 1 of age. Our current findings reveal that exposure to even low levels of Cd during the early develop-mental stages might result in long lasting biochemical alterations in the young ones and some of the changes may persist even upto the adult stage.

Distribution of metals in tissues of beaver, raccoon and otter from Ontario, Canada

Mercury and selenium concentrations were positively correlated in liver tissue of beaver, raccoon and otter from an undisturbed watershed in south central Ontario. Selenium accumulation in piscivorous mammals may represent a protective mechanism against methylmercury toxicity to animals exposed to high mercury levels in their diet. This paper also reports the levels of several other metals in tissues of three wild furbearing mammal species.

Trace metal-binding proteins in marine molluscs and crustaceans

Some marine invertebrates, such as the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, the blue crab, callinectes sapidus and the American lobster, Homarusamericanus, concentrate trace metals in their tissues. The occurrence of metallothionein, a low molecular weight, sulfur-containing metal-binding protein, has been correlated with elevated levels of trace metals in these organisms. It is our hypothesis that, whilst metallothioneins are involved in the sequestration of elevated levels of trace metals, they primarily function in regulating normal metal metabolism. In this paper we describe recent field and laboratory experiments designed to examine how oysters, blue crabs and lobsters manage accumulated cadmium, copper and zinc. The possible rôles of metallothionein, as well as the tissue distribution of metals, are emphasized. Metallothioneins were found in all animals we examined; concentrations of metallothioneins and the the amount of bound trace metals are related to time of exposure. We have also demonstrated that the laboratory developed metallothionein models for blue crabs and lobsters may be useful in predicting the partitioning of trace metals in animals living in environments polluted with trace metals.

Distribution of heavy metals in tissues of the common seal

The lead, cadmium and mercury content of soft tissues and bone were determined for the common seal ( Phoca vitulina) collected from off the coast of East Anglia and the West of Scotland. Lead levels were low in all tissues, cadmium accumulated with age in the kidney of West Scotland seals and mercury accumulated to high levels in the liver of seals from both areas. Comparison of our results with those of other workers, suggests that the rate of mercury accumulation in the liver of seals increases in the order: Canadian Arctic and Atlantic coast < West Scotland < East Anglia < Netherlands coast. Accumulation of mercury in the kidney and spleen of older seals, lends tentative support to the hypothesis that a protective demethylation and retention process in the liver may begin to leak mercury to other tissues at the high concentrations which have been recorded in the liver of older seals, and at the high dose rates which have been used in toxicological experiments.