PCB LEVELS IN BIRD BLOOD AND RELATIONSHIP TO MFO RESPONSES

A non destructive methods of risk evaluation using blood is proposed f or birds. Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were fed differe nt doses of Arochlor 1260 for 25 days to evaluate chemical stress in r elation to accumulation, compartmentation and the release of PCBs into blood circulation. Total PCBs were determined in blood and liver. ERO D, BROD, PROD, aldrin epoxidase and cytochrome P-450 were measured in the liver microsomal fraction, and the somatic liver index was calcula ted. In blood and liver, the principal congeners found (153, 138, 180 and 170) were the most persistent ones. Statistically significant corr elations were found between liver monooxygenase activity, PCB levels i n blood and dose. Evaluation of PCBs in blood can be proposed as a too l to predict induction of liver monooxygenases. Copyright (C) 1996 Els evier Science Ltd