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Using Chorioallantoic Membranes for Non-lethal Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutant Exposure and Effect in Oviparous Wildlife

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Abstract

David Peakall and co-workers pioneered innovative approaches that utilized extra-embryonic membranes to assess accumulation of organochlorine pesticides in eggs. This technique provided the foundation for an entire line of research to improve non-lethal methods for assessing contaminant exposure in oviparous wildlife. Currently, analysis of chorioallantoic membranes (CAMs) provides predictable estimates of chlorinated contaminant presence in eggs and in maternal tissues. Field studies have been conducted with herons, stilts, alligators, crocodiles, and sea turtles. Controlled dose-response studies have been completed in chickens. The following manuscript presents the foundations for the CAM approach and a review of research findings involving this technique.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Institute of Environmental and Human Health, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, 79416, USA

    George P. Cobb, Chris B. Pepper & Todd A. Anderson

  2. Office of Pesticide Programs, USEPA, Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington DC, 20460, USA

    Tim A. Bargar

  3. Pacific NW Pesticide Consulting Group, 2112 NW 199th Shoreline, WA, 98117, USA

    Don M. Norman

  4. Portland Community College, 17705 NW Springville Rd, ., Portland, OR, 97229, USA

    Pattie D. Houlis

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  1. George P. Cobb
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  2. Tim A. Bargar
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  3. Chris B. Pepper
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  5. Pattie D. Houlis
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  6. Todd A. Anderson
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Correspondence to George P. Cobb.

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Cobb, G.P., Bargar, T.A., Pepper, C.B. et al. Using Chorioallantoic Membranes for Non-lethal Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutant Exposure and Effect in Oviparous Wildlife. Ecotoxicology 12, 31–45 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022532711353

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