title: Effects of the bioaccumulative polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant congener BDE-47 on growth, development, and reproductive success in zebra finches.
abstract: This study investigated the effects of the polybrominated diphenyl ether congener, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) on the growth and development, and subsequent breeding success of exposed zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Using oral dosing procedures and treatments adjusted by weight, we treated newly hatched chicks daily for the first 20-days-post-hatch (dph) with varying treatments of BDE-47 (0, 5, 50, and 500 ng/g bw/day). Weight and tarsal measurements were monitored from hatch to 90 dph, but no differences were observed between treatment groups at any age. Treated females that reached sexual maturity were mated with untreated males; however, again no treatment effects were observed on breeding success. Analysis of tissue samples at 21 dph did indicate that debromination of BDE-47 had occurred resulting in BDE-28 and BDE-17 metabolites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, BC, V5A 1S6, Canada, hscherr@sfu.ca.
authors.forename: Heidi A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Currier
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Letcher
authors.forename: Tony D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Elliott
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D049628:Body Size / Q000187:drug effects; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D046369:Finches / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D005411:Flame Retardants / Q000633:toxicity*; D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / Q000633:toxicity*; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D005411:Flame Retardants; D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; C511295:2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether