Abstract
Ranch-bred mink (Mustela vison) were maintained in outdoor cages and fed experimental diets containing either polychlorinated biphenyls (Aroclor® 1254) and/or MeHg (methylmercury) for eight months. Unexpected mortality of some mink was attributed to a combination of cold stress and exposure to 1.0 μg/g MeHg. Mortality was lower in the group exposed to a combination of 1.0 μg/g MeHg plus PCB. There were no observed treatment effects on the thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands or serum T4 or T3 levels of adult mink. There was evidence of significant placental transfer of MeHg to the fetus, and transfer of PCB to growing kits via the mother's milk.
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Wren, C.D., Hunter, D.B., Leatherland, J.F. et al. The effects of poly chlorinated biphenyls and methylmercury, singly and in combination, on Mink. I: Uptake and toxic responses. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 16, 441–447 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055265
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01055265