title: Florida Red Tides, Manatee Brevetoxicosis, and Lung Models.
abstract: In 1996, 149 Florida manatees,Trichechus manatus latirostris,died along the southwest coast of Florida. Necropsy pathology results of these animals indicated that brevetoxin from the Florida red tide,Karenia brevis,caused their death. A red tide bloom had been previously documented in the area where these animals stranded. The necropsy data suggested the mortality occurred from chronic inhalation and/or ingestion. Inhalation theories include high doses of brevetoxin deposited/stored in the manatee lung or significant manatee sensitivity to the brevetoxin. Laboratory models of the manatee lungs can be constructed from casts of necropsied animals for further studies; however, it is necessary to define the breathing pattern in the manatee, specifically the volumes and flow rates per breath to estimate toxin deposition in the lung. To obtain this information, two captive-born Florida manatees, previously trained for husbandry and research behaviors, were trained to breathe into a plastic mask placed over their nares. The mask was connected to a spirometer that measured volumes and flowsin situ.Results reveal high volumes, short inspiratory and expiratory times and high flow rates, all consistent with observed breathing patterns.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kirkpatrick
authors.forename: Debborah E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Colbert
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dalpra
authors.forename: Elizabeth A C
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Newton
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gaspard
authors.forename: Brandi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Littlefield
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Manire