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Decreased Immune Response in Zebra Finches Exposed to Sublethal Doses of Mercury

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Abstract

Mercury (Hg) is a ubiquitous contaminant with deleterious effects on many wildlife species. Most studies to date have focused on fish-eating birds and mammals because much historical Hg pollution is aquatic. Recently, however, comparable blood-Hg levels have been found in terrestrial insectivorous songbirds. As a result, research is needed to clarify the effects of Hg exposure on songbirds. One fundamental end point that is still poorly understood is the effect of Hg on the songbird immune system. If Hg affects the functioning of the immune system, exposed songbirds may be less able to mount an appropriate immune response against invading pathogens. To gain insight into how Hg affects songbird immune function on a cellular level, a flow cytometric assay was developed to measure lipopolysaccharide-induced B-lymphocyte proliferation in zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). This is the first experimental (dosing) study of the potential effect of Hg on songbird immune system functioning. Decreased B cell proliferation was observed after lipopolysaccharide exposure in individuals with greater concentrations of Hg in their blood and tissues. In addition, these individuals had decreased ratios of proliferating-to-resting B cells. This decrease in lymphocyte proliferation in response to an effective mitogen suggests that environmental exposure to sublethal levels of Hg may inhibit or delay B cell proliferation in songbirds, potentially increasing susceptibility to disease and decreasing survivorship.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by E. I. DuPont de Nemours and Company, and research was completed with oversight from the South River Science Team, which is a collaboration of state and federal agencies, academic institutions, and environmental interests. In addition, we thank Dennis Hasselquist for providing us with anti-red-winged blackbird antibody and Margaret Whitney and Margaret Barr for training and logistical support throughout.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, The College of William and Mary, Institute for Integrative Bird Behavior Studies, Williamsburg, VA, 23187, USA

    Catherine A. Lewis, Daniel A. Cristol, John P. Swaddle & Claire W. Varian-Ramos

  2. Department of Biology, The College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA, 23187, USA

    Patty Zwollo

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  1. Catherine A. Lewis
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  2. Daniel A. Cristol
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  3. John P. Swaddle
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  4. Claire W. Varian-Ramos
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  5. Patty Zwollo
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Correspondence to Patty Zwollo.

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Lewis, C.A., Cristol, D.A., Swaddle, J.P. et al. Decreased Immune Response in Zebra Finches Exposed to Sublethal Doses of Mercury. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 64, 327–336 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-012-9830-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-012-9830-z

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