The effect of sex on avian plasma cholinesterase enzyme activity: a potential source of variation in an avian biomarker endpoint

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
Jonathan D Maul, Jerry L Farris

Abstract

Accurate identification of contaminant exposure to nontarget organisms involves understanding sources of variation associated with contaminant specific biomarkers. Cholinesterase (ChE) enzyme activity is the biochemical endpoint most often used to assess organism exposure to organophosphorus (OP) pesticides. A potential source of variation for this biomarker is sex, however, a generalized pattern of sex as a source of variation for avian ChE levels remains equivocal. In this study, sex-dependent variation in plasma ChE activity was examined in breeding northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) from reference populations free of OP pesticide exposure. Male (n = 32) total ChE activity (1.745 +/- 0.541) was greater than female (n = 26) total ChE activity (1.480 +/- 0.576) (p = 0.015). Likewise, benchmarks based on reference means and used for exposure identification (e.g., 20% reduction and the diagnostic threshold) were higher in males than females. With females having a 15.2% lower ChE activity than males, a substantial source of error exists for exposure assessment since some researchers consider a 20% inhibition as evidence of exposure. A second objective was to survey published literature to examine the extent that studies h...Continue Reading

Citations

Feb 13, 2008·Veterinary Research Communications·Eduardo J PiccoJuan C Boggio
Jul 1, 2011·Environmental Science and Pollution Research International·Agustín BassoJuan Carlos Sanchez-Hernandez
May 24, 2014·Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety·Renata Świergosz-KowalewskaAnna Halota
Nov 2, 2012·Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology·Laura González-EscalanteMario Bermúdez de León
Jun 26, 2008·Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part. B, Pesticides, Food Contaminants, and Agricultural Wastes·Eduardo J PiccoCasilda Rodríguez

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