title: [Determination of the activity of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase--a method for the diagnosis of lead poisoning in birds].
abstract: In avian patients enteral, parenteral and aerogenous lead intoxications are frequently observed. Ingestion of non-metallic lead may not be diagnosed by radiography. Alternatively, estimation of the delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (delta-ALA Dehydratase) activity is a suitable diagnostic test for lead intoxications. The enzyme delta-ALA Dehydratase, which plays a central role in erythropoiesis, is inhibited by lead and is therefore a specific indicator for lead intoxications. The activity of delta-ALA Dehydratase is measured directly in the blood; not the amount of excreted delta-ALA in the urine as in mammals. Blood volumes of 0.45 ml are necessary and thus allow to perform the test in birds as small as 45 g body weight (e.g. Budgerigars). Possible ranges of application as well as a suitable therapy for lead intoxication in birds are presented.
authors.affiliation: Institut für Geflügelkrankheiten, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Korbel
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kösters
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001715:Bird Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001717:Birds; D007855:Lead Poisoning / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D000623:Porphobilinogen Synthase / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000623:Porphobilinogen Synthase
vernacular_title: Die Aktivitätsbestimmung der Delta-Aminolävulinsäure-Dehydratase--ein Verfahren zur Diagnose von Bleiintoxikationen bei Vögeln.