Plasma ALP activity and blood PCV value changes in chick fetuses due to exposure of the egg to different xenobiotics

The effects of two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) compounds (benz(k)fluoranthene and fluoranthene) and two heavy metals (cadmium and lead) were studied on the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme activity and hematocrit (PCV) values in chick fetuses. Eggs were exposed to one of the four compounds before incubation, by applying two exposure methods: injection (into the air cell) or immersion. Fluoranthene, cadmium and lead injection significantly decreased ALP activity compared to the control, while none of the compounds caused significant reduction in ALP activity in the immersion groups; however, a decreasing tendency was seen in these groups as well. Hematocrit values were increased after benz(k)fluoranthene immersion, fluoranthene immersion and cadmium injection. However, the doses in this study are relatively low (compared to other ecotoxicological studies in birds), the alteration in ALP enzyme activity and PCV values was apparent in each treatment group and is indicative of the high sensitivity of chick fetuses.