Kt. Briggs et al., THE INFLUENCE OF PETROCHEMICALS AND STRESS ON THE IMMUNE-SYSTEM OF SEABIRDS, Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology, 23(2), 1996, pp. 145-155
There is increasing attention directed to the role of environmental po
llutants in altering immune function. Only with the identification of
the responsible environmental toxicants, and an understanding of their
mechanisms of action, can we hope to treat immunotoxic injuries. This
situation is exemplified by the exposure of wild birds to oil spills,
the subsequent potential for direct toxicity from the oil, and the se
condary toxicity of stress-induced immune modulation. Immunosuppressiv
e mechanisms related to oil ingestion and handling stress are implicat
ed in the morbidity and mortality of seabirds during care and followin
g reentry into the wild. This does suggest that improvements in the tr
eatment of these affected animals will enhance their survival and well
-being. However, a survey of the literature shows that the implementat
ion of better techniques are hampered by inadequate information on the
immunological consequences of oil contact with seabirds. Marine oil p
ollution is a constant occurrence and will continue as long as oil and
oil products are important commodities transported by sea routes. Amo
ng the numerous negative consequences of oil pollution are its effects
on marine wildlife. There is much evidence that oil spills are respon
sible for massive seabird deaths. However, the constant, low level rel
eases of petrochemicals probably contribute to the harmful effects of
oil pollution on seabird populations. In an attempt to rectify the dam
age inflicted on seabirds by accidental oil discharge, rehabilitation
centers are established for the cleaning and care of affected wildlife
. Unfortunately, there is evidence that the ingestion of oil by preeni
ng and the handling stress undergone by birds in these centers lowers
their ability to survive and reproduce following release to their nati
ve habitats, Although the reasons for this are unclear, there is the s
uggestion that both oil and handling will induce immunosuppressive mec
hanisms that ultimately predispose birds to infections and immune-medi
ated diseases, as well as reproductive, behavioral, and other problems
. Thus, there are questions concerning the effectiveness of interventi
on measures currently being used in the rehabilitation of seabirds. (C
) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.