Structural-functional aberrations of erythrocytes in the northern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rutilus Pallas, 1779) that inhabits the zone of influence of the copper smelter (the Middle Ural).

Red blood cell parameters were assessed in a natural population of the northern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rutilus Pallas, 1779) in the zone of influence of the Kirovgrad Copper Smelter along a gradient of pollution by heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) at three catching sites (polluted [Imp] and controls [Bg-1, and Bg-2]). The difference of the smelter area (Imp group of voles) from both background groups (Bg-1 and Bg-2) was proven by means of a set of 13 parameters in univariate and multivariate analyses. Among the detected erythrocyte disturbances, we noted the following: a decrease in activities of Na,K-ATPase and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT); an increase in the concentration of lipid peroxidation products, in osmotic fragility, and in intravascular hemolysis; interruption of carbohydrate metabolism; and lowered oxygen-carrying capacity.

Stress memory in two generations of from radioactive and chemical contaminated areas after the cessation of exposure.

Hypothesis: The differences in viability, root length, and pro/antioxidant features of seedlings identified in seed progeny formed in areas of radioactive and chemical contamination can persist in subsequent generations after the elimination of the stress.

Materials And Methods: The seed mixtures of F1 generation were collected from natural populations (P plants) growing for a long time in the East Ural Radioactive Trace, the Karabash Copper Smelter zone, and background area. The seeds of F2 generation were obtained from F1 generation plants grown on experimental plots with 'clean' agricultural background; F3 generation was grown from F2 generation on the same plots.

Effects of environmental low-dose irradiation on functional-metabolic organ responses in a natural mouse population ( Pallas, 1771) within the East Urals Radioactive Trace (EURT) area, Russia.

Hypothesis: The level of radiation-induced functional metabolic reactivity can differ among organs (spleen, liver and myocardium) and reproductive-sexual groups (breeding and non-breeding under-yearlings: females and males).

Materials And Methods: We analyzed individuals captured in the zone of the East Urals Radioactive Trace (EURT, Russia). In this area, concentrations are Sr and Cs at 10,000 and 1000 Bq/kg, respectively, in a layer of soil not deeper than 10 cm.

Hepatic effects of low-dose rate radiation in natural mouse populations ( and ): comparative interspecific analysis.

Natural mouse populations in radioactive contamination zone provide adequate information about dose loads and biological effects for 'non-human biota'. The comparative analysis of the responses of different species of mice allows us to reveal the possible variation in the effects of low-dose rate radiation relative to the ecological-physiological and functional-metabolic features of the species. Objects of study - two sympatric rodent species [pygmy wood mouse ( Pallas, 1811) and striped field mouse ( Pallas, 1771)] caught on the territory of the East-Ural radioactive trace (EURT).

Structural-functional modifications of the liver to chronic radioactive exposure in pygmy wood mouse (Apodemus uralensis) within the East-Urals Radioactive Trace.

The hepatic parameters (contents of glycogen, total lipids, nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, DNA and RNA, fructose-6-phosphate, water, lipid peroxidation products, as well as activities of succinate dehydrogenase and glucose phosphate isomerase), radiometric data, and the relative population abundance of the pygmy wood mouse (Apodemus uralensis Pall., 1811) inhabiting natural (Middle Urals, Southern Urals, and Trans-Urals) areas and radioactivity territory (the EURT zone after of the Kyshtym accident in the South Urals in 1957) were analysed. Structural-functional modifications of the liver in A.