Induction and metal speciation of metallothionein in wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) along a metal pollution gradient.

We investigated the binding of Cd, Cu, and Zn to metallothionein (MT) and other metal-binding proteins in free-living wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus L.) captured in four areas along a metal pollution gradient. We measured total and cytosolic Cd, Cu, and Zn concentrations in mouse liver and kidney by means of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Transfer and accumulation of metals in a soil-diet-wood mouse food chain along a metal pollution gradient.

We studied the accumulation and transfer of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the compartments of a soil-diet-wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus) food chain at five sites located along a metal pollution gradient. We observed a clear gradient in metal exposure at increasing distance from the smelter in all compartments of the food chain for the non-essential metals. The gradient was less clear or absent for the essential metals in acorn and mice target tissues.

Metal blood levels and hematological characteristics in wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus L.) along a metal pollution gradient.

The present study evaluated whether blood could be used as a nondestructive tool for monitoring metal exposure and related hematological effects in wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus L.) living along a metal pollution gradient. Soil concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, silver, and zinc decreased with distance from the emission source.