Dose-dependent uptake, elimination, and toxicity of monosodium methanearsonate in adult zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata).
Monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA), an arsenic-based pesticide, has been used for the past 10 years in attempts to suppress mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) outbreaks in British Columbia, Canada. Previous studies have shown that cavity nesting forest birds such as woodpeckers forage and breed in MSMA treated pine stands. Here we examined the effects of MSMA in the laboratory using the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata), with the objective to examine tissue distribution and sublethal toxic effects in a model avian species. Zebra finches were exposed to this pesticide at doses similar to those found in bark beetle samples from MSMA stands of trees treated in the southern interior of British Columbia (8, 24, and 72 microg/g/d and a control group). Results showed high excretion (>90%) of arsenic in all dose groups, as well as dose-dependent trends in accumulation of arsenic in the blood (p < 0.001) and specific tissues. Monomethylarsonic acid, MMA (V), was the predominant form of arsenic in the blood plasma. Dimethylarsinic acid was the major form of arsenic found in the liver (83%) and kidney (61%) tissues. The brain tissue contained primarily the MMA (V) form (57%). Significant weight loss occurred in the two highest dose groups (p < 0.05). Birds in the highest dose group lost up to 15% of initial body mass.
Albert
Courtney A
CA
Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
Williams
Tony D
TD
Morrissey
Christy A
CA
Lai
Vivian W M
VW
Cullen
William R
WR
Elliott
John E
JE
D000818:Animals; D001151:Arsenic / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity; D001152:Arsenicals / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D046369:Finches / Q000378:metabolism*; D006540:Herbicides / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D013997:Time Factors
D001152:Arsenicals; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006540:Herbicides; C020300:monomethylarsonic acid; D001151:Arsenic