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It is widely known that some toxic agents may act on DNA strand resulting in its damages. One of the possible impairments is formation of abasic sites in DNA. The aim of this study was to indicate a presence of these DNA sites in the liver tissue of bank voles inhabiting the vicinity of zinc/lead smelters. Samples that were used originated from animals collected from unpolluted (Niepołomice, Teleśnica Oszwarowa, Mikołajki) and polluted (Miasteczko Śląskie, Katowice, Olkusz) populations. They significantly differed in terms of tissue lead concentrations in the kidney and liver. The means of detected AP sites per 105 bp ranged between 3.39 (Teleśnica Oszwarowa) to 5.13 (Miasteczko Śląskie). Statistical analysis (ANOVA) showed no difference in terms of number of the AP sites between single populations. However, t-test showed significant difference between the unpolluted and polluted populations. Factorial ANOVA indicated that sex is not a factor influencing the number of AP sites. The analyses revealed statistically significant relationships between the number of AP sites and Cu concentrations in the liver, and also Pb and Cd concentrations in the kidney.
Magdalena Mikowska; Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. DNA damage in a liver tissue of metal exposed Clethrionomys glareolus. Chemosphere 2018, 199, 625 -629.
AMA StyleMagdalena Mikowska, Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. DNA damage in a liver tissue of metal exposed Clethrionomys glareolus. Chemosphere. 2018; 199 ():625-629.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Mikowska; Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. 2018. "DNA damage in a liver tissue of metal exposed Clethrionomys glareolus." Chemosphere 199, no. : 625-629.
The main idea of the study was to assess how environmental metal pollution activates defence responses at transcription levels in the tissues of bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus). For this purpose, the metallothioneine (MT) genes expression (a well known biomarker of exposure and response to various metals) was measured. The real-time PCR method was used for relative quantification of metallothionein I and metallothionein II expressions in the livers, kidneys and testes of bank voles from six populations exposed to different contaminants, mainly zinc, cadmium and iron. The assessment of Zn, Cu and Fe concentrations in the tissues allowed to study the MTs gene expression responses to these metals. ANOVA analysis showed differences between populations in terms of metal concentration in tissues, livers and kidneys. Student T test showed significant differences in metal concentration between unpolluted and polluted sites only for the liver tissue: significantly lower Zn levels and significantly higher Fe levels in the unpolluted sites. Kruskal-Wallis test performed on C T data shows differences in the gene expressions between populations for both MT genes for liver and testes. In the liver metallothionein I gene expression was upregulated in populations considered as more polluted (up to 7.5 higher expression in Miasteczko Śląskie comparing to Mikołajki). Expression of metallothionein II revealed a similar pattern. In kidneys, differences in expression of both MT genes were not that evident. In testes, MT upregulation in polluted sites was noted for metallothionein II. For metallothionein however, we found downregulation in populations from more contaminated sites. The expressions of both MTs were positively influenced by cadmium in kidney (concentration data from the previous study) and zinc and copper in liver, while cadmium had effects only on the liver MT II gene expression. Positive relationship was obtained for lead and metallothionein II expression in the liver.
Magdalena Mikowska; Barbara Dziublińska; Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. Variation of Metallothionein I and II Gene Expression in the Bank Vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) Under Environmental Zinc and Cadmium Exposure. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 2017, 75, 66 -74.
AMA StyleMagdalena Mikowska, Barbara Dziublińska, Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. Variation of Metallothionein I and II Gene Expression in the Bank Vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) Under Environmental Zinc and Cadmium Exposure. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2017; 75 (1):66-74.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Mikowska; Barbara Dziublińska; Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. 2017. "Variation of Metallothionein I and II Gene Expression in the Bank Vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) Under Environmental Zinc and Cadmium Exposure." Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 75, no. 1: 66-74.
In a full factorial laboratory experiment, the effects of temperature and two chemical stressors (nickel and chlorpyrifos) on the accumulation of nickel in the liver and kidney of bank voles were studied. The nine-week experiment consisted of three periods: acclimatisation (3 days), intoxication (6 weeks) and elimination (3 weeks). During the main intoxication phase the animals were orally exposed for 42 days to different doses of nickel (Ni) (0, 300 and 800mg/kg food) or chlorpyrifos (CPF) (0, 50 and 350mg/kg food) or a mixture of both chemicals. Additionally, animals from each chemical treatment were divided into subgroups assigned to three temperatures: 10, 20 or 30°C. The highest concentrations of nickel were found in the testis, but there were no statistical effects of studied factors on this tissue. The nickel concentrations were higher in the kidney than in the liver of the bank voles. Nickel levels in the livers were influenced by Ni concentration in the food during intoxication time and additionally by interactions between Ni, temperature and day of exposure during elimination. The kidney concentrations of nickel depended on the level of nickel exposure but also on the interactions of the nickel with other factors: temperature, chlorpyrifos, day of exposure. This influence was observed only during the intoxication phase. The body mass and liver and kidney masses of the animals were affected both by the nickel concentration in the food and by the temperature.
Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska; Anita Tokarz. Modification of nickel accumulation in the tissues of the bank vole Myodes glareolus by chemical and environmental factors. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2016, 134, 196 -203.
AMA StyleRenata Świergosz-Kowalewska, Anita Tokarz. Modification of nickel accumulation in the tissues of the bank vole Myodes glareolus by chemical and environmental factors. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2016; 134 ():196-203.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Świergosz-Kowalewska; Anita Tokarz. 2016. "Modification of nickel accumulation in the tissues of the bank vole Myodes glareolus by chemical and environmental factors." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 134, no. : 196-203.
Although a variety of biomarkers has been developed to assess the adverse effect of lead on human and animal populations, studies show that the most important factor conditioning the response may be the genetic make-up of an individual. ALAD (delta aminolevulinic acid dehydratase) gene polymorphism found in human populations results in the existence of two alleles: ALAD1 and ALAD2. The difference between them is the result of one nucleotide change (G177C, rs1800435) which implicates different enzyme affinity for lead ions. As a result, carriers of these alleles respond differently to lead exposure in terms of tissue lead content, as well as neurobehavioral response. The aim of our study was to determine if such a phenomenon is present in wild animal populations. Two hypotheses were tested: (i) does the same ALAD polymorphism occur in lead exposed rodent species and is the frequency of different alleles similar to that of humans, (ii) if polymorphism exists, is the tissue lead content higher in individuals having ALAD2 alleles. We used bank voles (Myodes glareolus) inhabiting different lead contaminated sites for this purpose. The results obtained show no polymorphism in the bank vole populations that were studied. Contrary to the results obtained for humans, our study shows that all animals were found to have the C nucleotide. In human populations this nucleotide determines the ALAD2 allele and is much less frequent.
Magdalena Mikowska; Renata Świergosz--Kowalewska. No ALAD Polymorphism in Bank Vole Populations from Unpolluted and Lead-Zinc Polluted Areas in Poland. Folia Biologica 2015, 63, 51 -55.
AMA StyleMagdalena Mikowska, Renata Świergosz--Kowalewska. No ALAD Polymorphism in Bank Vole Populations from Unpolluted and Lead-Zinc Polluted Areas in Poland. Folia Biologica. 2015; 63 (1):51-55.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Mikowska; Renata Świergosz--Kowalewska. 2015. "No ALAD Polymorphism in Bank Vole Populations from Unpolluted and Lead-Zinc Polluted Areas in Poland." Folia Biologica 63, no. 1: 51-55.
One of the most important issues in ecotoxicology is better understanding the effects of interactions between chemical pollutants and physical environmental factors on animals. To fill this knowledge gap, changes in the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain samples of bank voles Myodes (Clethrionomys) glareolus due to temperature effects, and two chemical stressors were studied in a full factorial laboratory experiment (27 treatments). The experiment was divided into three phases: acclimatisation (3 days), intoxication (42 days) and elimination (21 days). During the intoxication phase, animals were orally exposed to different concentrations of either nickel (0, 300 or 800 mg Ni/kg food), chlorpyrifos (CPF) (0, 50 or 350 mg CPF/kg food) or a mixture of both chemicals. During the acclimatisation and elimination phases, the bank voles were given uncontaminated food. The experiment was conducted at three different temperatures (10, 20 or 30 °C), and a 12 h:12 h light:dark regime. The animals were sacrificed at 0, 5, 10, 20, 42, 49 and 63 days after the beginning of the intoxication, and brain samples were obtained for chemical analysis. The nickel accumulation in the brain depended on the level of nickel exposure and on interactions between the temperature and other factors. Nickel exhibited no effect on AChE activity. In contrast, AChE was drastically inhibited by chlorpyrifos and low temperature, but interactions between all factors significantly influenced the enzyme activity during the elimination phase of the experiment. High mortality was observed in the groups exposed to high concentrations of nickel and chlorpyrifos.
Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska; Patrycja Molenda; Anna Halota. Effects of chemical and thermal stress on acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain of the bank vole, Myodes glareolus. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2014, 106, 204 -212.
AMA StyleRenata Świergosz-Kowalewska, Patrycja Molenda, Anna Halota. Effects of chemical and thermal stress on acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain of the bank vole, Myodes glareolus. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2014; 106 ():204-212.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Świergosz-Kowalewska; Patrycja Molenda; Anna Halota. 2014. "Effects of chemical and thermal stress on acetylcholinesterase activity in the brain of the bank vole, Myodes glareolus." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 106, no. : 204-212.
The effects of isolation and heavy-metal pollution on genetic diversity in Myodes (=Clethrionomys) glareolus populations were studied. Isolation and pollution are considered to have important effects on biodiversity. Animals were collected from ten populations in isolated (island), mainland, and metal-polluted areas. Three populations were in areas near zinc and lead smelters; four were on islands in the relatively unpolluted Mazurian Lake District and in the Bieszczady Mountains; and three were in clean-mainland areas in the Mazurian Lake District, the Niepołomice Forest, and the Bieszczady Mountains. Cadmium and lead concentrations in liver and kidney were measured to assess the animals’ exposure to metals. The metal concentrations were greater in animals from areas classed as polluted than in animals from the clean-mainland areas and islands. The genetic diversity of each population was analyzed using eight microsatellite markers. The results confirmed that isolation adversely affects genetic diversity in M. glareolus populations (giving low heterozygosity and poor allelic richness), but the effect of metal exposure on genetic diversity was not strong. Of the samples from polluted areas, only the Katowice population, which is exposed to high levels of metal pollution and is also isolated because of human activity, showed genetic variation parameters that were similar to those for the island populations. Nei’s genetic distances indicated that the island populations were genetically distant from each other and from the other populations, and there were noticeable inbreeding effects that would have been caused by the isolation of these populations.
Magdalena Mikowska; Aneta Gaura; Edyta Sadowska; Paweł Koteja; Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. Genetic Variation in Bank Vole Populations in Natural and Metal-Contaminated Areas. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 2014, 67, 535 -546.
AMA StyleMagdalena Mikowska, Aneta Gaura, Edyta Sadowska, Paweł Koteja, Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. Genetic Variation in Bank Vole Populations in Natural and Metal-Contaminated Areas. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. 2014; 67 (4):535-546.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMagdalena Mikowska; Aneta Gaura; Edyta Sadowska; Paweł Koteja; Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. 2014. "Genetic Variation in Bank Vole Populations in Natural and Metal-Contaminated Areas." Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 67, no. 4: 535-546.
The effects of cadmium toxicity may vary between animals with different history of metal exposure. The aim of our study was to examine HSP70, protein carbonyl levels, catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity in the heads of Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) larvae originated from undergoing 1- and 44-generational cadmium treatment and in control (those that were not exposed to cadmium). We also measured the cadmium concentration and DNA damage level in the larvae. We observed higher level of heat shock proteins (HSPs) in the heads of larvae derived from multi-generational metal treatment than in the heads of those from one-generational treatment (derived from the control rearing). Analysis of HSP localisation in the larval brain suggests that these changes could be important for protecting the neural function of larval mushroom bodies for animals selected during multigenerational metal exposure. Animals from one-generational treatment had, in turn, higher total antioxidant capacity than animals from multigenerational treatment. Anyway, animals from one- and 44-generational metal treatments did not differ in metal accumulation in the heads and the whole larval bodies, catalase activity or DNA damage level. All these measurements were higher than for control larvae and cadmium accumulation in the heads was much lower than in the whole bodies.
Alina Kafel; Aleksandra Nowak; Jadwiga Bembenek; Joanna SzczygieŁ; Mirosław Nakonieczny; Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. The localisation of HSP70 and oxidative stress indices in heads of Spodoptera exigua larvae in a cadmium-exposed population. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 2012, 78, 22 -27.
AMA StyleAlina Kafel, Aleksandra Nowak, Jadwiga Bembenek, Joanna SzczygieŁ, Mirosław Nakonieczny, Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. The localisation of HSP70 and oxidative stress indices in heads of Spodoptera exigua larvae in a cadmium-exposed population. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 2012; 78 ():22-27.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlina Kafel; Aleksandra Nowak; Jadwiga Bembenek; Joanna SzczygieŁ; Mirosław Nakonieczny; Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska. 2012. "The localisation of HSP70 and oxidative stress indices in heads of Spodoptera exigua larvae in a cadmium-exposed population." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 78, no. : 22-27.
The expression of two metallothionein genes (Mt-I and Mt-II) in the liver, kidney, and gonad of bank voles collected at four metal-contaminated sites (Cd, Zn, Pb, and Fe) were measured using the quantitative real-time PCR method (QPCR). Relative Mt gene expression was calculated by applying a normalization factor (NF) using the expression of two housekeeping genes, ribosomal 18S and beta-actin. Relative Mt expression in tissues of animals from contaminated sites was up to 54.8-fold higher than those from the reference site for Mt-I and up to 91.6-fold higher for Mt-II. Mt-II gene expression in the livers of bank voles from contaminated sites was higher than Mt-I gene expression. Inversely, Mt-II expression in the kidneys of voles was lower than Mt-I expression. Positive correlations between cadmium levels in the tissues and Mt-I were obtained in all studied tissues. Zinc, which undergoes homeostatic regulation, correlated positively with both Mt-I and Mt-II gene expression only in the kidney. Results showed that animals living in chronically contaminated environments intensively activate detoxifying mechanisms such as metallothionein expression. This is the first time that QPCR techniques to measure MT gene expression have been applied to assess the impact of environmental metal pollution on field collected bank voles.
Renata Swiergosz-Kowalewska; Agnieszka Bednarska; Amanda Callaghan‡. Expression of Metallothionein Genes I and II in Bank VoleClethrionomys glareolusPopulations Chronically Exposed In Situ to Heavy Metals. Environmental Science & Technology 2006, 41, 1032 -1037.
AMA StyleRenata Swiergosz-Kowalewska, Agnieszka Bednarska, Amanda Callaghan‡. Expression of Metallothionein Genes I and II in Bank VoleClethrionomys glareolusPopulations Chronically Exposed In Situ to Heavy Metals. Environmental Science & Technology. 2006; 41 (3):1032-1037.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Swiergosz-Kowalewska; Agnieszka Bednarska; Amanda Callaghan‡. 2006. "Expression of Metallothionein Genes I and II in Bank VoleClethrionomys glareolusPopulations Chronically Exposed In Situ to Heavy Metals." Environmental Science & Technology 41, no. 3: 1032-1037.
In present study, bank voles Clethrionomys glareolus were peritioneally injected with different doses of cadmium, 0, 1.5, 3.0 mg Cd/kg body mass. Animals were sacrificed on the 21st day after cadmium exposure and the liver and kidney were obtained for cadmium, zinc and iron analysis using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results showed that cadmium had accumulated in the tissues according to dosage and sex. Cadmium affected the survival and body masses of dosed females. Cadmium decreased the iron concentrations in the liver of voles, whereas zinc concentrations increased in both the kidney and liver.
Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska; Izabela Holewa. Cadmium, zinc and iron interactions in the tissues of bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus after exposure to low and high doses of cadmium chloride. BioMetals 2006, 20, 743 -749.
AMA StyleRenata Świergosz-Kowalewska, Izabela Holewa. Cadmium, zinc and iron interactions in the tissues of bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus after exposure to low and high doses of cadmium chloride. BioMetals. 2006; 20 (5):743-749.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Świergosz-Kowalewska; Izabela Holewa. 2006. "Cadmium, zinc and iron interactions in the tissues of bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus after exposure to low and high doses of cadmium chloride." BioMetals 20, no. 5: 743-749.
Renata Świergosz-Kowalewska; Agnieszka Bednarska; A. Kafel. Glutathione levels and enzyme activity in the tissues of bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus chronically exposed to a mixture of metal contaminants. Chemosphere 2006, 65, 963 -974.
AMA StyleRenata Świergosz-Kowalewska, Agnieszka Bednarska, A. Kafel. Glutathione levels and enzyme activity in the tissues of bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus chronically exposed to a mixture of metal contaminants. Chemosphere. 2006; 65 (6):963-974.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Świergosz-Kowalewska; Agnieszka Bednarska; A. Kafel. 2006. "Glutathione levels and enzyme activity in the tissues of bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus chronically exposed to a mixture of metal contaminants." Chemosphere 65, no. 6: 963-974.
To assess the risk from heavy metal accumulation to insectivorous species exposed to different pollutants, shrews [Sorex araneus (Linnaeus 1758) and Sorex minutus (Linnaeus 1766)] were collected in the Olkuski Ore Region (OOR; a Zn and Cd smelter area), Legnicko–Głogowski Copper Mine Region (LGCR; a copper ore-mining area), and Białowieża Forest (BF; a control area). A few sites were chosen in each region and a total of 57 animals were collected from them. The liver and kidneys were dissected from the animals, dried, and digested in a 4:1 mixture of HNO3 (nitric acid) and HClO4 (perchloric acid). Cadmium, lead, zinc, copper, and iron were determined in the samples by flame or flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The interactions between toxic and essential metals were calculated for each tissue. The data showed that accumulation of metals by insectivores is high; shrews accumulated much higher amounts of cadmium and lead than bank voles, studied by other researchers, from the same areas. The expected high tissue accumulation of copper at LGCR and zinc at OOR was not seen, but the levels of both elements were higher in the tissues of shrews from OOR than from LGCR. The lowest copper concentrations were in the tissues of shrews from BF. The highest cadmium and lead concentrations were found in the tissues of shrews from OOR. Some significant correlations were found between the tissue concentrations of xenobiotic and essential metals (e.g., between cadmium and zinc and between lead and iron). Copyright © 2005. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, Soil Science Society. ASA, CSSA, SSSA
R. Świergosz-Kowalewska; M. Gramatyka; W. Reczyński. Metals Distribution and Interactions in Tissues of Shrews (Sorex spp.) from Copper- and Zinc-Contaminated Areas in Poland. Journal of Environmental Quality 2005, 34, 1519 -1529.
AMA StyleR. Świergosz-Kowalewska, M. Gramatyka, W. Reczyński. Metals Distribution and Interactions in Tissues of Shrews (Sorex spp.) from Copper- and Zinc-Contaminated Areas in Poland. Journal of Environmental Quality. 2005; 34 (5):1519-1529.
Chicago/Turabian StyleR. Świergosz-Kowalewska; M. Gramatyka; W. Reczyński. 2005. "Metals Distribution and Interactions in Tissues of Shrews (Sorex spp.) from Copper- and Zinc-Contaminated Areas in Poland." Journal of Environmental Quality 34, no. 5: 1519-1529.
DNA probes have been developed for subsequent use in monitoring the exposure of animals to heavy metal pollution in terrestrial environments using metallothionein (MT) gene expression in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Three different bank vole sequences were characterised corresponding to the cDNA and the genomic DNA for MT-I and the genomic DNA for MT-II. Nucleotide sequence analysis indicates that the coding sequences of the bank vole MT-I and MT-II genes exhibit a very high degree of similarity (greater than 92%) to the corresponding genes of the Chinese hamster, the mouse and the rat. In common with other mammalian MT genes, both the MT-I and MT-II genes in the bank vole are interrupted by two introns, which are at identical positions as those in other rodent MT genes; furthermore, the sizes of these introns are similar to those in other rodents with the first intron being larger than the second and those in the MT-I gene being larger than those in the MT-II gene. The predicted amino acid sequence for the proteins shows that both proteins contain 20 cysteine residues at positions identical to those in other known mammalian MTs. The availability of these DNA sequences now provides a good opportunity to investigate MT gene expression and possible gene amplification in bank voles exposed to metal pollution.
Demetris Savva; Cristina Garcia-Aljaro; Kathryn P. Lawes; Renata Swiergosz-Kowalewska. Characterisation of DNA probes for the analysis of metallothionein gene expression in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Environment International 2002, 28, 139 -146.
AMA StyleDemetris Savva, Cristina Garcia-Aljaro, Kathryn P. Lawes, Renata Swiergosz-Kowalewska. Characterisation of DNA probes for the analysis of metallothionein gene expression in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus). Environment International. 2002; 28 (3):139-146.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDemetris Savva; Cristina Garcia-Aljaro; Kathryn P. Lawes; Renata Swiergosz-Kowalewska. 2002. "Characterisation of DNA probes for the analysis of metallothionein gene expression in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus)." Environment International 28, no. 3: 139-146.
The aim of the present paper is to discuss the accumulation and distribution of cadmium (Cd) in the various tissues of animals, the interactions of cadmium with other elements, and the damage to tissues caused by this metal. Cadmium is not physiologically or biochemically essential to an organism. It is absorbed via the gastrointestinal tract and lungs and accumulated in various tissues, mainly the kidneys and liver. The distribution of cadmium between various tissues depends on many endogenous and exogenous factors. Cadmium is bound to a low‐molecular‐weight protein, metallothionein (MT), and to high‐molecular‐weight proteins. This metal has a great affinity to thiol groups. Cadmium binds also to O‐ and N‐containing ligands. The distribution of cadmium between organs differs markedly depending on the chemical form of administered Cd and the duration of exposure. Acute exposure results in a different distribution pattern throughout the body than does chronic exposure. Long‐term exposure to high doses of cadmium may cause biochemical and functional changes in some critical organs. Cadmium can influence the absorption and distribution of essential elements and can replace them in enzymes. Metallothionein and glutathione play important roles in the transport of metals and in detoxification processes. Reported findings are mainly the results of experiments on laboratory animals. The lack of data concerning the localization of cadmium in various tissues of wild species is noticeable and there is a great need for such data. Microsc. Res. Tech. 55:208–222, 2001.
Renata Świergosz‐Kowalewska. Cadmium distribution and toxicity in tissues of small rodents. Microscopy Research and Technique 2001, 55, 208 -222.
AMA StyleRenata Świergosz‐Kowalewska. Cadmium distribution and toxicity in tissues of small rodents. Microscopy Research and Technique. 2001; 55 (3):208-222.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Świergosz‐Kowalewska. 2001. "Cadmium distribution and toxicity in tissues of small rodents." Microscopy Research and Technique 55, no. 3: 208-222.
Cadmium is one of many metals that are not physiologically or biochemically essential to organisms. This element is extremely dangerous as it is easily absorbed and remains in tissues for a long time. Long exposure to high doses of cadmium may cause biochemical and functional changes in some critical organs. In this study, wheat grains contaminated with cadmium chloride were used to test the influence of cadmium on male bank voles ( Clethrionomys glareolus ). Doses used in the experiment were environmentally realistic: 0.25 μg g −1 (control), 15 μg g −1 , and 40 μg g −1 cadmium (dry weight). The animals were given cadmium-contaminated food and clean water ad libitum for 3 and 6 months. After these exposures, the animals were killed and the kidneys, liver, and testes from each vole were collected for analyses. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn, and Fe in the tissues were determined with an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The formalin-fixed testes, kidneys, and part of the liver were embedded in paraffin and then stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Cadmium accumulation in the tissues was directly proportional to dose. The highest cadmium concentrations were found in the kidneys of animals fed the highest dose of cadmium. Histological examination of the tissues revealed some pathological changes in the structure of kidneys, liver, and testes.
Renata Świergosz; Marta Zakrzewska; Katarzyna Sawicka-Kapusta; Katarzyna Bacia; Izabela Janowska. Accumulation of Cadmium in and Its Effect on Bank Vole Tissues after Chronic Exposure. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 1998, 41, 130 -136.
AMA StyleRenata Świergosz, Marta Zakrzewska, Katarzyna Sawicka-Kapusta, Katarzyna Bacia, Izabela Janowska. Accumulation of Cadmium in and Its Effect on Bank Vole Tissues after Chronic Exposure. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 1998; 41 (2):130-136.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Świergosz; Marta Zakrzewska; Katarzyna Sawicka-Kapusta; Katarzyna Bacia; Izabela Janowska. 1998. "Accumulation of Cadmium in and Its Effect on Bank Vole Tissues after Chronic Exposure." Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety 41, no. 2: 130-136.
In 1990–93 the breeding performance of pied and collared flycatcher populations (Ficedula hypoleuca and Ficedula albicollis) was studied in Niepołomice Forest at Stanisławice (Cracow Province). Concentrations of the non-essential elements cadmium and lead in bird tissues were higher than those measured at Tavelsjö (Sweden), the reference site ( Nyholm et al., 1994). The highest cadmium concentrations, up to 0.35 μg/g, were found in liver. The highest lead levels, up to 1.09 μg/g, occurred in breastbone samples. Levels of copper, zinc and iron were close to physiological norms. The main source of these elements in nestlings was likely to have been their diet. The number of fledged nestlings (3.2–5.2) in Stanisławice was lower than in Tavelsjö (6). The high percentages of nestlings with low levels of haemoglobin suggest that this may be the main factor contributing to the lower survival rates at Stanisławice.
R Świergosz; K Sawicka-Kapusta; N.E.I Nyholm; A Zwolińska; A Orkisz. Effects of environmental metal pollution on breeding populations of pied and collared flycatchers in Niepołomice Forest, Southern Poland. Environmental Pollution 1998, 102, 213 -220.
AMA StyleR Świergosz, K Sawicka-Kapusta, N.E.I Nyholm, A Zwolińska, A Orkisz. Effects of environmental metal pollution on breeding populations of pied and collared flycatchers in Niepołomice Forest, Southern Poland. Environmental Pollution. 1998; 102 (2-3):213-220.
Chicago/Turabian StyleR Świergosz; K Sawicka-Kapusta; N.E.I Nyholm; A Zwolińska; A Orkisz. 1998. "Effects of environmental metal pollution on breeding populations of pied and collared flycatchers in Niepołomice Forest, Southern Poland." Environmental Pollution 102, no. 2-3: 213-220.
Mercury concentrations were determined in muscles and feathers of 58 cock pheasants. Birds were collected from seven different polluted sites in southern Poland in 1987. The mercury concentrations in the muscle ranged from 0.010 to 0.026 mug g dry mass. The significantly highest values were found in muscle samples from Przylasek and Przemysl. The levels found in the flight feathers were higher than in breast feathers. Average concentrations in flight feathers ranged from 0.050 mug g (Przemysl) to 0.240 mug g dry mass (Przylasek). © Rapid Science 1998
Renata Świergosz. Mercury accumulation in the muscles and feathers of pheasants, Phasianus colchicus (L. 1758). BioMetals 1998, 11, 139 -143.
AMA StyleRenata Świergosz. Mercury accumulation in the muscles and feathers of pheasants, Phasianus colchicus (L. 1758). BioMetals. 1998; 11 (2):139-143.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRenata Świergosz. 1998. "Mercury accumulation in the muscles and feathers of pheasants, Phasianus colchicus (L. 1758)." BioMetals 11, no. 2: 139-143.
Breeding performance of Great tit (Parus major) was studied in two forests in southern Poland, in the districts of Cracow and Katowice, and in a Swedish reference area. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn, methyl Hg, ΣDDT, and ΣPCB in tissues of nestlings, were monitored. The birds′ tissue concentrations of the nonessential elements, Cd and Pb, were elevated at the Polish localities, and reflected the degree of environmental contamination. ΣDDT levels were higher in the Polish birds than in the Swedish. Breeding results of the birds were severely affected in southern Poland, and high frequencies of the fledged young showed low Hb.
N. E. I. Nyholm; K. Sawicka-Kapusta; R. Świergosz; B. Laczewska. Effects of environmental pollution on breeding populations of birds in southern Poland. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 1995, 85, 829 -834.
AMA StyleN. E. I. Nyholm, K. Sawicka-Kapusta, R. Świergosz, B. Laczewska. Effects of environmental pollution on breeding populations of birds in southern Poland. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 1995; 85 (2):829-834.
Chicago/Turabian StyleN. E. I. Nyholm; K. Sawicka-Kapusta; R. Świergosz; B. Laczewska. 1995. "Effects of environmental pollution on breeding populations of birds in southern Poland." Water, Air, & Soil Pollution 85, no. 2: 829-834.
Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe) were determined in the tissues of bank voles collected in polluted forest sites in southern Poland and in Białowieża National Park. The highest cadmium concentrations were found in livers (0·9–12·8 μg g−1) and kidneys (3·2–29·6 μg g−1), whereas the lowest were in bones (0·2–0·9 μg g−1). The lead concentrations found in kidneys and bones ranged from 9·5 to 40·0 μg g−1. The ranges of zinc, iron and copper concentrations in the tissues of animals were: 137–343 μg g−1, 206–1017 μ g−1 and 12·0–73·8 μ g−1, respectively. Some of the differences between the levels found in various sites were statistically significant.
K. Sawicka-Kapusta; R. Świergosz; M. Zakrzewska. Bank voles as monitors of environmental contamination by heavy metals. A remote wilderness area in Poland imperilled. Environmental Pollution 1990, 67, 315 -324.
AMA StyleK. Sawicka-Kapusta, R. Świergosz, M. Zakrzewska. Bank voles as monitors of environmental contamination by heavy metals. A remote wilderness area in Poland imperilled. Environmental Pollution. 1990; 67 (4):315-324.
Chicago/Turabian StyleK. Sawicka-Kapusta; R. Świergosz; M. Zakrzewska. 1990. "Bank voles as monitors of environmental contamination by heavy metals. A remote wilderness area in Poland imperilled." Environmental Pollution 67, no. 4: 315-324.