Hepatotoxic effect of metallic pollutants on enzyme histochemical activities of yellow-legged gull Larus cachinnans michahellis liver.

We studied the hepatotoxic effect of heavy metals (cadmium, mercury, copper) on Mg2+ -ATPase, NADH diaphorase, succinic dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase of yellow-legged gull liver, using enzyme histochemical methods. The lysosomal enzyme activity of acid phosphatase was increased in all cases. However, the other enzyme activities appeared to be insensitive to the different metallic pollutants and to their respective levels, in contrast with literature experimental data showing plasma membrane and mitochondrial alterations.

Neutron activation study of the elementary composition of edible sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus Lamarck) in marine creek area polluted by city sewages of Marseille (France).

Neutron activation study of elementary composition (Ag, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, K, La, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Th, U and Zn) was performed on edible sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus Lamarck) from marine creek area polluted by city sewages from Marseille (France) after a purifying plant was brought into operation. Concentration levels were higher in soft organic parts (alimentary canals and gonads) for all the elements except for Sr which showed a strong affinity for calcareous parts (tests, spines and masticating apparatus). Certain elements present in the soft organic parts are rarely found in the hard parts.

Neutron activation study of the natural elementary composition of edible sea urchins (Paracentrotus lividus Lamarck) in the National Park of Port-Cros (Mediterranean, France).

Neutron activation study of elementary composition was performed on edible sea urchins Paracentrotus lividus from the National Park of Port-Cros. The analysis allows the identification and quantification of 22 elements: antimony, arsenic, baryum, bromine, cerium, chromium, cesium, cobalt, gold, iron, lanthane, potassium, sodium, rubidium, samarium, scandium, selenium, silver, strontium, thorium, uranium and zinc. The concentration levels were higher in the soft organic parts (alimentary canals and gonads) for all the elements, except for strontium, which developed a strong affinity with calcareous hard parts (tests, spines, masticating apparatus).

Microscopic localization of mercury-selenium interaction products in liver, kidney, lung and brain of Mediterranean striped dolphins (Stenella Coeruleoalba) by silver enhancement kit.

Microscopic observation, using physical development of silver, was carried out to localize the mercury-selenium interaction products in the organs of Mediterranean striped dolphins. The silver-metal reaction products were located mainly in hepatocytes and macrophages for liver, in proximal tubules for kidney. They were less abundant in lung than in liver and kidney.

Mercury, zinc and selenium bioaccumulation in tissues and organs of Mediterranean striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba meyen. Toxicological result of their interaction.

Neutron activation analysis of 13 Mediterranean striped dolphins Stenella coeruleoalba showed high mercury and selenium contaminations of main tissues and organs of these cetaceans. The mercuric contents were excessive, particularly in liver (from 68 to 2272 micrograms/g dry wt. basis), then in kidney, lung, muscle, heart and brain.