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Physiologic and clinicopathologic effects of crude oil on loggerhead sea turtles

Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology volume 28, pages 417–422 (1995)Cite this article

Abstract

The physiologic and clinicopathologic effects of weathered South Louisiana crude oil exposure were studied in the laboratory in juvenile loggerhead sea turtles. Sea turtles ingested oil incidentally, and oil was observed clinging to the nares, eyes, and upper esophagus, and was found in the feces. Oiled turtles had up to a four-fold increase in white blood cell counts, a 50% reduction in red blood cell counts, and red blood cell polychromasia. Most serum blood chemistries (e.g., BUN, protein) were within normal ranges, although glucose returned more slowly to baseline values than in the controls. Gross and histologic changes were present in the skin and mucosal surfaces of oiled turtles, including acute inflammatory cell infiltrates, dysplasia of epidermal epithelium, and a loss of cellular architectural organization of the skin layers. The cellular changes in the epidermis are of particular concern because they may increase susceptibility to infection. Although many of the observed physiological insults resolved within a 21-day recovery period, the long-term biological effects of oil on sea turtles remain completely unknown.

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Author notes

  1. M. E. Lutcavage

    Present address: New England Aquarium, Pelagic Group, 195 State Street, 02109, Boston, MA

  2. P. L. Lutz

    Present address: Biological Sciences Dept., Florida Atlantic University, 33431, Boca Raton, FL

  3. G. D. Bossart

    Present address: Miami Seaquarium, Rickenbacker Causeway, 33149, Miami, FL

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Biology and Living Resources, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 33149, Miami, Florida, USA

    M. E. Lutcavage, P. L. Lutz, G. D. Bossart & D. M. Hudson

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  1. M. E. Lutcavage
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  2. P. L. Lutz
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  3. G. D. Bossart
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  4. D. M. Hudson
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Lutcavage, M.E., Lutz, P.L., Bossart, G.D. et al. Physiologic and clinicopathologic effects of crude oil on loggerhead sea turtles. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 28, 417–422 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00211622

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00211622

Keywords

  • Skin Layer
  • Inflammatory Cell Infiltrate
  • Architectural Organization
  • Acute Inflammatory Cell
  • Physiological Insult