Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of DDT on Calcium Uptake and Vitamin D Metabolism in Birds

  • Letter
  • Published:

From Nature

View current issue Submit your manuscript

    We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.

    Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.

Abstract

THE “thin eggshell phenomenon” has been widely found in nature for several species of raptors1 and has been demonstrated for a number of species in laboratory conditions2. Calcium metabolism in birds is closely linked to the reproductive cycle and is, to a large extent, regulated by two steroids, oestradiol and vitamin D. Avian hepatic liver enzymes induced by chlorinated hydrocarbons have been shown to increase the metabolism of sex hormones both in vitro3 and in vivo4. The structure of vitamin D is sufficiently close to that of the sex hormones investigated to suggest that increased vitamin D metabolism might occur and thus calcium uptake from the gastrointestinal tract be affected. Two groups of experiments were carried out: in vivo studies of 45Ca uptake in zebra finches (Poephila guttata) and in vitro studies of vitamin D metabolism by the hepatic microsomal fractions of ringed turtle doves (ring doves; Streptopelia risoria).

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Ratcliffe, D. A., Nature, 215, 208 (1967); Hickey, J. J., and Anderson, D. W., Science, 162, 271 (1968); Anderson, D. W., Hickey, J. J., Risebrough, R. W., Hugh, D. F., and Christensen, R. E., Canad. Field Naturalist, 83, 89 (1969).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Porter, R. D., and Wiemeyer, S. N., Science, 165, 199 (1969); Heath, R. G., Spann, J. W., and Kreitzer, J. F., Nature, 224, 47 (1969); Bitman, J., Cecil, H. C., Harris, S. J., and Fries, G. F., Nature, 224, 44 (1969).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Peakall, D. B., Nature, 216, 505 (1967); Risebrough, R. W., Rieche, P., Peakall, D. B., Herman, S. G., and Kirven, M. N., Nature, 220, 1098 (1968).

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Peakall, D. B., Sci. Amer. (in the press).

  5. Jefferies, D. J., Ibis., 109, 266 (1967).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Norman, A., and DeLuca, H., Biochemistry, 2, 1160 (1963).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Stevenson, J., Wilson Bull., 45, 155 (1933).

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Ecology and Systematics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

    DAVID B. PEAKALL

Authors
  1. DAVID B. PEAKALL
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

PEAKALL, D. Effect of DDT on Calcium Uptake and Vitamin D Metabolism in Birds. Nature 224, 1219–1220 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/2241219a0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/2241219a0

  • Springer Nature Limited

We’re sorry, something doesn't seem to be working properly.

Please try refreshing the page. If that doesn't work, please contact support so we can address the problem.

Search

Navigation