Evaluation of lead effects on the intestinal enzymes of eared dove (Zenaida auriculata).

CASTRO C; FERNÁNDEZ N; CHEDIACK, JG; CID F.

San Luis

Congreso; Reunión Científica Anual de la Sociedad de Biología de Cuyo; 2017

Universidad Nacional de San Luis

Increasing industrialization and human activities intensify the emission of pollutants; among them lead (Pb). The adverse effects of Pb have been well documented in birds and other animals (haematological damage, kidney malfunctioning, brain damage, etc.) However, strikingly, information on the Pb effects on digestive functions of bird is scarce. Recently we found a decrease of the specific activity of the intestinal enzymes (sucrase, maltase, and aminopeptidase-N) in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) Pb exposed. Nevertheless, there are no studies about the response of these enzymes to Pb in other bird species. The objective was to study the long-term Pb effects on digestive enzymes of eared dove (Zenaida auriculata). To achieve our goal, we established three independent groups of birds, two groups were exposed during 15 and 30 days to the same Pb concentration in drinking water, and one control group. The intestinal enzymatic activity of sucrase, maltase and aminopeptidase was determined and statistical analysis performed (RM-ANOVA, Tukey post-hoc test, p<0.05). The pattern of intestinal enzymes activities found was similar to those reported for other bird species. Nevertheless, surprisingly our results showed a non-significant inhibition of these enzymes in Pb exposed doves. These results are opposed to those found previously in house sparrows. This could be because, unlike sparrows, doves have crop, and it is known that there is a lead-induced dysfunction of this organ. This could be due to a direct action of Pb on the smooth muscle or the neural elements in crop tissue. Supported by UNSL 2-0516 to FDC.