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The biological effects of polybrominated biphenyls in avian species
Insights
Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) exposure in poultry impacts egg production and chick viability, causing edema and organ changes. PBB residues accumulate in tissues, with higher levels in males due to egg excretion.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Toxicology
- Poultry Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are persistent organic pollutants structurally similar to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
- PBBs pose risks to avian health and productivity, necessitating a thorough understanding of their toxicological effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the toxicological effects of Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) on poultry, focusing on reproductive parameters and offspring health.
- To determine PBB residue levels and biological half-life in eggs and tissues.
- To examine PBB-induced histopathological changes in various organs.
Main Methods:
- Feeding studies with Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) administered to chickens and quail.
- Monitoring of feed intake, egg production, and hatchability.
- Analysis of PBB residue levels in eggs and tissues.
- Histopathological examination of organs from exposed birds.
Main Results:
- PBB exposure negatively affected feed intake, egg production, and hatchability.
- Hatched chicks exhibited subcutaneous edema and reduced viability during the first three weeks.
- PBB did not affect eggshell thickness or egg weight; residue levels in eggs were 1.3-1.5 times the dietary level.
- The biological half-life of PBB in eggs was approximately 17 days, with higher tissue residues in males.
- Significant tissue changes were observed in the liver, thyroid, testes, spleen, and bursa, including liver enlargement and hydropericardium.
Conclusions:
- Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) poses significant risks to poultry reproduction and offspring survival.
- PBB bioaccumulation and organ-specific toxicity highlight the need for monitoring and regulation of environmental contaminants in poultry.
- Hydropericardium and general edema are characteristic signs of PBB and PCB toxicity in avian species.
Abstract:
Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), structurally similar to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), affects feed intake, egg production, and hatchability of fertile eggs in chickens and quail. Subcutaneous edema of the neck and shoulder are common abnormalities of hatched chicks from PBB-fed dams. No characteristic teratogenicity is evident. Offspring hatched are less viable during their first 3 weeks of life. PBB does not produce thinner egg shells or lower egg weights. The ratio of PBB egg content to dietary level is 1.3-1.5:1.0. The biological half-life of PBB in eggs is calculated to be 17 days. Tissue residues are higher in males than females because egg production is a major excretory route for PBB. Polybrominated biphenyl feeding causes tissue changes in size, structure and/or function in the liver, thyroid, testes, comb, heart, spleen, bursa of Fabricus, and blood. Liver enlargement, porphyria and microsomal enzyme induction results from PBB administration. The spleen, bursa and comb are reduced in size, whereas the thyroid increases after PBB feeding. A characteristic of PBB and PCB toxicity is hydropericardium and general edema.