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Evidence of species-specific detoxification processes for trace elements in shorebirds

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Abstract

This study investigated sub-lethal effects and detoxification processes activated in free-ranging Red Knots (RKs) (Calidris canutus) from the Pertuis Charentais on the Atlantic coast of France, and compared the results with previous data obtained on another shorebird species, the Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa). The concentrations of 13 trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) were assessed in the liver, kidneys, muscle and feathers. Stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen were carried out to determine whether differences in diet explained variations in elemental uptake. The mRNA expression of relevant genes (cytochrome c oxidase 1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, Cu/Zn and Mn superoxide dismutase, catalase, metallothionein, malic enzyme), antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase), and metallothionein (MT) levels were investigated to shed light on trace element detoxification and toxic effects. Although Red Knots were characterized by elevated As and Se concentrations which were potentially toxic, most elements were usually below toxicity threshold levels. The results strongly suggested a dietary specialization of Red Knots, with individuals feeding on higher trophic status prey experiencing higher As, Hg and Se burdens. Red Knots and Godwits also showed discrepancies in elemental accumulation and detoxification processes. Higher As and Se concentrations in Red Knots enhanced catalase gene expression and enzyme activity, while Godwits had higher Ag, Cu, Fe and Zn levels and showed higher MT production and GPx activity. The results strongly suggest that detoxification pathways are essentially trace element- and species-specific.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the University of La Rochelle for its financial support through a post-doctoral grant to ML, as well as the Natural Reserves of the Pertuis Charentais (Moëze-Oléron, Marais d’Yves, Lilleau des Niges) for their technical assistance during bird catches. We especially thank P. Delaporte, P. Rousseau, J. Gautier and J. Gonin from the Moëze-Oléron Natural Reserve. We also thank P. Richard and G. Guillou (UMR LIENSs) for technical support during stable isotope analysis. This work was supported financially by the CPER (Contrat de Projet Etat-Région) and the CNRS.

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  1. Littoral, Environnement et Sociétés (LIENSs), UMR 7266 CNRS-Université de La Rochelle, 2 rue Olympe de Gouges, 17000, La Rochelle, France

    Magali Lucia, Pierrick Bocher, Carine Churlaud & Paco Bustamante

  2. Mer Molécules Santé (MMS), Université de Nantes, EA 2663, 2 rue de la Houssinière, 44322, Nantes, France

    Richard P. Cosson

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  1. Magali Lucia
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Correspondence to Magali Lucia.

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Lucia, M., Bocher, P., Cosson, R.P. et al. Evidence of species-specific detoxification processes for trace elements in shorebirds. Ecotoxicology 21, 2349–2362 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-012-0991-3

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