Effects of DDE and PCB (Aroclor 1260) on experimentally poisoned little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus): Lethal brain concentrations
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health
By: D. R. Clark Jr. and C. J. Stafford
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Abstract
Adult female little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) were collected in a church attic in North East, Cecil County, Md. Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) containing organochlorine pollutants were fed to the bats as follows: 5 bats were dosed at 480 ppm DDE, 12 at 150 ppm DDE, 5 at 1000 ppm polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB; Aroclor 1260), and 12 at 15 ppm PCB. Seven other bats were fed untreated mealworms. The objective was to elevate brain levels of DDE and PCB to lethality and measure these concentrations. During 40 d of dosage, one DDE-dosed bat and two PCB-dosed bats died after exhibiting the prolonged tremor that characterizes organochlorine poisoning. After dosage, surviving bats were starved to elevate brain levels of toxicants, and three additional DDE-dosed bats had tremors before dying. The mean brain concentration of DDE diagnostic of death was estimated as 603 ppm, range 540-670 ppm. This mean is 16-18% higher than means for Mexican free-tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis) and common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), and may indicate less sensitivity. Lethal brain concentrations of Aroclor 1260 were 1300 and 1500 ppm. Such values appear to be higher than values (Aroclor 1254) for brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater). During starvation, DDE-dosed bats lost weight about 24% faster than controls. If smaller amounts of stored DDE cause increases in metabolic rates of nonfeeding bats, as during hibernation or migration, the result could be premature energy depletion and increased mortality.
Suggested Citation
Clark, D.R., Stafford, C.J., 1981, Effects of DDE and PCB (Aroclor 1260) on experimentally poisoned little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus): Lethal brain concentrations: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, v. 7, no. 6, p. 925-934, https://doi.org/10.1080/15287398109530035.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Effects of DDE and PCB (Aroclor 1260) on experimentally poisoned little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus): Lethal brain concentrations |
| Series title | Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health |
| DOI | 10.1080/15287398109530035 |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Publication Date | October 20, 2009 |
| Year Published | 1981 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Taylor and Francis |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 925-934 |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health |
| First page | 925 |
| Last page | 934 |