Larry Z. McFarland

Physiologic and endocrinologic effects of the insecticide Kepone in the Japanese quail

Abstract Japanese quail fed Kepone (chlordecone) developed a characteristic whole-body tremor prior to death. Hepatic enlargement, often twice the size of controls, was the most characteristic abnormality observed in both sexes. The hepatic cell had accumulated numerous lipid vacuoles and possessed a fatty appearance. Kepone exerted a strong “estrogenic” effect on the oviduct of the quail, most noticeable in the immature female. Not only was a direct “estrogenic” effect on the quail oviduct demonstrated but also a possible indirect effect operating via the hypothalamoadenohypophyseal axis. The hematocrit was lowered, and the refractive index was elevated. The width of the cloacal gland was reduced, and the testes were affected in an unpredictable manner.

Diurnal variation in gonadotropic potency of the adenohypophysis of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Abstract Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ) were raised from hatch under one of the following light regimens: continuous light, repeated cycles of 16 hours light and 8 hours darkness (16L:8D), 14L:10D, 6L:6D, and 8L:16D. The gonadotropic potencies of the acetone-dried adenohypophysis were determined for groups of 4-week-old males killed after exposure to various periods of light and of dark. The potencies were estimated by bioassay in which the weight increase in the testes of 2-week-old male coturnix that were reared under 8L:16D was used. In quail exposed to continuous light, gonadotropic potency of the adenohypophysis did not differ significantly among birds killed at 8-hour intervals. In birds subjected to 16L:8D, 14L:10D or 6L:6D, the potency was higher at the end of the light period than at 3 or 4 hours after beginning of darkness. No significant difference was observed in potencies during darkness. The results indicate that gonadotropin content in the adenohypophyses from immature male coturnix reared under certain light regimens changes with the daily light-dark rhythms.

Acute anticholinesterase toxicity in ducks and Japanese quail

Abstract Acute parathion dosing of ducks and quail induced parasympathomimetic responses which included increased salivation, miosis, increased nictitating membrane response, tachycardia, various forms of heart block, polypnea associated with dyspnea, and an elevated hematocrit. The responses to parathion were similar to the responses to acetylcholine and acetyl-β-methylcholine in these birds.

Blood Volume of the Nasal Salt Glands and other Glands and Organs of Sea Gulls

THE ability of an organ to function is dependent on its blood supply. The salt gland operates as a highly efficient sodium pump capable of secreting about 8 sodium/adenon-ine triphosphate1,2 and its secretion has a concentration of sodium ranging from 400 to 1,200 m.equiv. sodium chloride/l, (ref. 3). The unique function of the avian salt gland and the lack of information on its blood volume prompted this investigation.