United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Environmental Research
Laboratory
Duluth MN 55804
EPA-600/3-80-033
February 1980
Research and Development
&EPA
Toxicity of the
Polychlorinated
Biphenyl
Aroclor 1016 to
Mink
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into nine series. These nine broad cate-
gories were established to facilitate further development and application of en-
vironmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The nine series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
6. Scientific and Technical Assessment Reports (STAR)
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8. "Special" Reports
9. Miscellaneous Reports
This report has been assigned to the ECOLOGICAL RESEARCH series. This series
describes research on the effects of pollution on humans, plant and animal spe-
cies, and materials. Problems are assessed for their long- and short-term influ-
ences. Investigations include formation, transport, and pathway studies to deter-
mine the fate of pollutants and their effects. This work provides the technical basis
for setting standards to minimize undesirable changes in living organisms in the
aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/3-80-033
February 1980
TOXICITY OF THE POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL AROCLOR 1016 TO MINK
by
R. J. Aulerich
R. K. Ringer
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
Contract No. 68-03-1187
Project Officer
Oilman D. Veith
Environmental Research Laboratory
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
DULUTH, MINNESOTA 55804
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Environmental Research Laboratory-
Duluth, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication.
Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and
policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of
trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation
for use.
ii
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FOREWORD
Aroclor 1016 is a mixture of PCB's that was introduced almost 40 years
after PCB's began to be commercially used. The mixture was made by
redistilling Aroclor 1242 to remove some of the more highly chlorinated PCB's
and make the product more environmentally acceptable. Because the mink
industry has been especially affected by the release of PCB's into the
environment and by their bioaccumulation in fish, the potential impact of
Aroclor 1016 on mink needed to be determined. This study seeks to fulfill
that need.
iii
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ABSTRACT
Effects of the PCB Aroclor 1016 on reproduction, growth, and survival of
mink (Mustela vison) were investigated. Mink raised according to commercial
mink-ranch procedures were fed diets that contained 0, 2, 10, and 25 ppm
Aroclor 1016 for up to 18 months. Reproduction was not adversely affected,
although kit growth and survival were suboptimum in some of the treated
groups. No hematologic differences were observed between the treated and
non-treated mink, but heart weight increased and kidney weight decreased in
the older animals of two of the three PCB-treated groups. No consistent
gross lesions associated with PCB toxicity were observed. The PCB residue in
mink tissues was directly related to the quantity of Aroclor 1016 in the
diet. Residues in mink kits suggest that Aroclor 1016 passes the placental
barrier.
IV
-------
CONTENTS
Foreword iii
Abstract iv
Tables vi
1. Introduction 1
2. Conclusions 2
3. Materials and Methods 3
4. Results 5
5. Discussion 19
References 21
v
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TABLES
Number Page
1 Reproductive Performance of Female Mink Fed a Control Diet or Diets
Supplemented with Aroclor 1016 from January 6, 1976, to June
30, 1976 6
2 Reproductive Performance of Female Mink Fed a Control Diet or Diets
Supplemented with Aroclor 1016 from January 6, 1976 or July
15, 1976, to June 28, 1977 7
3 Average Body Weight (+ S.E.) at Birth and Four Weeks and Mortality
of Kits Whelped and Nursed by Females Fed a Control Diet or Diet
Supplemented with Aroclor 1016 from January 6, 1976, to June
30, 1976 (weaning) 8
4 Average Body Weight (+ S.E.) at Birth and Four Weeks and Mortality
of Female Kits Whelped and Nursed by Females Fed a Control Diet
or Diets Supplemented with Aroclor 1016 from January 6, 1976, or
July 15, 1976, to June 28, 1977 . 9
5 Biomass of Mink Kits from Birth to Four Weeks of Age Produced by
Lactating Females Fed the Control Diet or Diets Supplemented
with Aroclor 1016 10
6 Average Body Weight (+ S.E.) of Mink Fed a Control Diet or Diets
Supplemented with Aroclor 1016 from January 6, 1976, to July
1, 1976 11
7 Average Body Weight (+ S.E.) of Mink Fed a Control Diet or Diets
Supplemented with Aroclor 1016 from January 6, 1976, or July
15, 1976, to June 28, 1977 12
8 Hematocrit and Hemoglobin Values for Mink Fed a Control Diet or Diets
Supplemented with Aroclor 1016 from January 6, 1976, or July
15, 1976, to June 28, 1977 14
9 Differential Blood Cell Counts (June 28, 1977) for Mink Fed a Control
Diet or Diets Supplemented with Aroclor 1016 from January
6, 1976, or July 15, 1976, to June 28, 1977 15
10 Mean Organ Weights of Mink Fed a Control Diet or Diets Supplemented
with Aroclor 1016 from January 6, 1976, or July 15, 1976, to
June 28, 1977 16
VI
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11 Average PCB Residues (ppm) in Tissues From Control Mink and Mink Fed
Diets Supplemented with Aroclor 1016 from January 6, 1976, to
June 28, 1977, and in Newborn Kits Whelped by These Females . . . 18
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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) are chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds
of varying chlorine content that have had wide industrial use since 1930
(Penning 1930). They have been used in the manufacture of plastics, paints,
varnishes, resins, lubricants, synthetic and natural rubbers, waxes, asphalt,
hydraulic fluids, allyl starch, and heat-transfer fluids. They have also
been used for dust prevention, moisture proofing, sealing, and vapor
suppression (Lichtenstein et al. 1969, Platonow et al. 1976).
Jensen (1966) first identified PCB's as environmental contaminants in
1966. Subsequent reports have demonstrated their toxicity to animals,
including humans, and have confirmed their status as important environmental
pollutants of the world ecosystem. Polychlorinated biphenyls tend to
concentrate in animal tissues, and their low biodegradation rate suggests
that, although they are not presently manufactured or sold in this country,
the vast environmental burden of these compounds that has accumulated over
the years will present a hazard for many years to come.
Aroclor® 1016 is a PCB recently introduced as a possible substitute
for other "more hazardous" Aroclors and for which few toxicological data are
available. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of
Aroclor 1016 on reproduction, growth, and survival in mink (Mustela vison) to
provide data for evaluating the relative toxicity of this chlorinated
hydrocarbon compound. The mink was selected as a test animal because it is
extremely sensitive to other Aroclors and is considered an excellent
experimental animal for PCB investigations (Aulerich and Ringer 1977).
name for PCB's previously manufactured by Monsanto Chemical Co., St.
Louis, Mo.
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SECTION 2
CONCLUSIONS
1. Mink are relatively tolerant of dietary Aroclor 1016.
2. Long-term feeding of up to 25 ppm Aroclor 1016 to mink did not adversely
affect reproduction, but growth and survival of newborn kits were
suboptimum.
3. No marked hematologic changes or clinical signs of PCB poisoning were
observed in mink fed diets that contained up to 25 ppm Aroclor 1016 for
18 months. Increased heart and decreased kidney weights were noted in
some of the PCB-treated animals, but were not observed consistently among
the treated groups.
4. Residues of PCB in tissues from mink fed Aroclor 1016 were considerably
lower than those from mink fed comparable levels of Aroclors 1242, 1248,
and 1254. Residues in mink kits suggest that Aroclor 1016 is transferred
across the placenta.
5. The greater tolerance of mink for Aroclor 1016 than for other Aroclors
of similar chlorine content may be due to reduced absorption, greater
excretion, or increased metabolism of Aroclor 1016.
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SECTION 3
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study consisted of an 18-month mink feeding experiment. On January
6, 1976, 60 standard (natural dark) ranch mink, approximately 8 months old,
were allocated into four groups, each consisting of 3 males and 12 females.
Littermates were divided among the groups to minimize the effects of genetics
on reproduction and sensitivity to the PCB dietary supplement.
The animals were fed either a basic unsupplemented (control) diet or
the basic diet supplemented with 2, 10, or 25 ppm of Aroclor 1016. They were
housed individually in suspended wire cages (61 x 76 x 46 cm) in an
open-sided shed. Each cage was equipped with a nest box and two drinking
cups. Routine mink-ranch procedures were followed in the feeding, care, and
breeding of the animals.
The mink were immunized against canine distemper, botulism, and virus
enteritis as kits. They were fed their respective diets ad libitum, except
before the breeding season (March) when the animals were fed to "condition"
them for optimum reproduction. Mating attempts were initiated on March 3,
1976, and whenever possible matings were made between mink within a dietary
group. All matings were verified by the presence of apparently normal,
motile spermatozoa in the vaginal smear after coition. Following a successful
"sperm-checked" mating, each female was given another opportunity to mate,
either the day after the first mating or 8 days later. The mated females
were checked daily for young during the whelping period (April 24-May 15)-
Kits were counted and weighed on the day of birth and at 4 weeks of age.
Following the 1976 mink reproductive period, the adult breeder mink plus
20 kits (10 males and 10 females) whelped and nursed by females on each diet
were retained on their respective diets, either through November 1976 (when
7 of the 10 kit males on each treatment were pelted) or through the next
reproductive cycle (to June 28, 1977). In groups II and IV, where
insufficient kits were produced to provide 20 weaned offspring, kits (two
females in group II and four females and eight males in group IV) whelped
and nursed by untreated females were used to fill the groups. Housing,
feeding, care, and breeding of these animals were similar to those previously
described.
2The basic diet consisted of 25% commercial mink cereal, 20% chicken, 20%
ocean fish (cod, haddock, and flounder mix), 15% beef tripe, 7.5% beef
lungs, 7.5% beef trimmings, and 5% beef liver.
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The mink diets that contained the supplemental PCB were prepared by
dissolving the desired quantity of Aroclor 1016-* in acetone and blending
the solution (only acetone in the control diet) with ground commercial mink
cereal. The acetone was evaporated, and the cereal-PCB premix was mixed with
the other dietary ingredients to yield a diet that contained the desired
amount of the PCB.
The mink were weighed to the nearest 5 g at various time intervals
(Tables 6 and 7), and blood samples were collected (by toenail clipping) for
analysis. Hematocrits were measured in duplicate following centrifugation
for 7 min at 11,500 rpm with an International (Model MB) microcapillary
centrifuge. Hemoglobin content of the blood was determined either with an AO
Spencer-Hb-meter or by the cyanmethemoglobin method (Eilers 1967).
Differential cell counts were made in duplicate on blood smears with Wright's
stain (Davidson and Henry 1965).
The feeding trial was terminated on June 28, 1977. Necropsies were
performed on all surviving mink (original animals plus the 10 females and 3
males of the F^ generation), and their organ weights were recorded. Tissue
samples from the animals were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and were
prepared for histopathologic examination according to routine laboratory
procedures. Tissue sections were cut at 5yand stained with hematoxylin and
eosin. The remainder of the tissues of the mink fed the experimental diets
from January 6, 1976, to June 28, 1977, along with four newborn kits
(April-May 1977) from each treatment group, were stored frozen for PCB
residue analysis. The PCB residue analyses were made on a gas chromatograph
according to the method described by Thompson (1977).
o
-"Supplied by Dr. Gilman D. Veith, Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth,
Duluth, Minn.
American Optical Co-, Buffalo, New York.
-------
SECTION 4
RESULTS
The reproductive performance of the female mink fed the experimental
diets is shown in Tables 1 and 2. Reproduction in the control groups (I)
during 1976 and 1977 was considered satisfactory, as a litter average of 4.0
kits per mated female is normal. Although the average litter size per mated
female during the 1976 reproductive period varied inversely with the amount
of PCB added to the basic diet (Table 1), this trend was not repeated during
1977 (Table 2).
The length of gestation did not differ significantly between the control
females and those fed diets that contained supplemental PCB. Gestation in
mink is quite variable because of delayed implantation. The average
gestation period for single-mated dark mink was reported to be 51.22 days by
Bowness (1968).
Except for the reduced 4-week weights of kits whelped and nursed by the
primaparous females in group IV during 1976 and 1977, the differences in kit
weights shown in Tables 3 and 4 were probably not biologically significant.
Kit mortality at birth was unaffected by the addition of Aroclor 1016 to
the diet of the dams, although kit mortality by 4 weeks was generally greater
in the groups that received the PCB-supplemented diets than in the controls
(Table 5).
Any significant differences in mink body weights between the controls
and the PCB-treated animals occurred during the first few months of the
feeding trial and were not evident during the latter part of the study (Table
6, Table 7).
No significant differences or trends were noted in the hematocrit or
hemoglobin values, (Table 8) or in the differential blood cell counts (Table
9) from the mink on the various dietary treatments. These hematologic values
are considered normal for mink and were in agreement with those reported by
Jorgensen and Christensen (1966), Skrede (1970), Rotenberg and Jorgensen
(1971), Fletch and Karstad (1972), and Asher et' al. (1976).
The mean organ (liver, spleen, kidney, lung, adrenal, and heart) weights
(expressed as a percentage of brain weight) of the mink that survived to the
termination of the feeding trial are shown in Table 10. A significant
increase in heart weight and reduction in kidney weight was observed in the
older (2nd year) mink fed the diet supplemented with 2 and 25 ppm PCB. No
consistent gross lesions that could be associated with PCB toxicity were
observed in the mink that died during the study or those on which necropsies
were performed at the termination of the feeding trial.
5
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TABLE 1. REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE MINK FED A CONTROL DIET OR DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH
AROCLOR 1016 FROM JANUARY 6, 1976, TO JUNE 30, 1976
Dietary
treatment
I
Basic diet
(control)
II
Basic diet
plus 2 ppm PCB
III
Basic diet
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
Number Average
of females number of
Mated Whelped matings
12 10 2.1
10a 9 1.7
lla 5 1.5
11 7 1.6
Average Number of kits
gestation at birth
(days) Alive Dead
54.1 43 4
51.4 31 3
49.6 22 3
50.6 16 6
Average number of kits
whelped/ female
Mated Whelped
3.9 4.7
3.4 3.8
2.3 5.0
2.0 3.1
aOne female died from injuries received during mating.
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TABLE 2. REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE Mil* FED A CONTROL DIET OR DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AROCLOR 1016
FROM JANUARY 6, 1976, OR JULY 15, 1976, TO JUNE 28, 1977
Dietary
treatment
1
Basic diet
(control )
1 1
Basic diet
plus 2 ppm PCB
1 II
Basic diet
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
Mink
status
2nd yra
1st yrb
2nd yr
1st yr
2nd yr
1st yr
2nd yr
1st yr
Number
of females
Mated
12
10
8
10
8
10
1 1
10
Whelped
10
7
7
7
6
7
7
9
Average
number of
mat 1 ngs
1.9
1.7
1.7
1.9
1.8
1.7
1.7
2.0
Average
gestation
(days)
47.7
50.6
47.6
48.3
47.8
50.4
48.3
48.9
Number of kits
at birth
Al i ve
44
46
35
36
21
23
43
44
Dead
5
7
6
3
3
4
3
4
Average number of kits
whel ped/fema 1 e
Mated
4.1
5.3
5.1
3.9
3.0
2.7
4.2
4.8
Whelped
4.7
7.6
5.9
5.6
4.0
3.9
6.6
5.3
aFemales fed a control or PCB-supplemented diet from January 6, 1976, to June 28, 1977. Data pertain to only second
reproductive period. Data for first reproductive period (March-June 1976) are presented in Table I.
'•'Kit females whelped and nursed by mink fed the control or PCB-supplemented diets since January 6, 1976, or placed on
the control or PCB-supplemented diets from weaning (July 15, 1976) through their first reproductive period (June 28,
1977).
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TABLE 3. AVERAGE BODY WEIGHT (+ S.E.) AT BIRTH AND FOUR WEEKS AND MORTALITY OF KITS WHELPED AND
NURSED BY FEMALES FED A CONTROL DIET OR DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AROCLOR 1016 FROM JANUARY 6, 1976, TO
JUNE 30, 1976 (WEANING)
Dietary
treatment
At birth
At 4 weeks
Number Body weight (g) Number Body weight (g)
Kit mortality
birth to 4 weeks (%)
00
Basic diet
(control)
II
Basic diet
plus 2 ppm PCS
III
Basic diet
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
43 9.7 + 0.83
39 180.6 + 5.46
31
9.1 + 1.26
22 10.6 + 1.00
22
21
168.5 + 5.42
178.7 + 5.71
16
9.3 + 1.22
11 132.3 + 9.30a
9.3
29.0
4.5
31.3
aSignificantly different (P<0.01) from control by Dunnett's t-test.
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TABLE 4. AVERAGE BODY WEIGHT (+ S.E.) AT BIRTH AND FOUR WEEKS AND MORTALITY OF FEMALE KITS WHELPED AND NURSED
BY FEMALES FED A CONTROL DIET OR DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AROCLOR 1016 FROM JANUARY 6, 1976, OR JULY 15, 1976,
TO JUNE 28, 1977
Dietary
treatment
I
Basic diet
(control)
II
Basic diet
plus 2 ppm PCB
III
Basic diet
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
Mink
status
2nd yra
1st yrb
2nd yr
1st yr
2nd yr-
1st yr
2nd yr
1st yr
At birth
Number
44
46
35
36
21
23
43
44
Body
9.70
9.52
8.75
8.43
10.95
8.69
9.15
9.47
weight (g)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
27
23
36
24C
35d
30d
27
21
Number
43
38
28
25
14
17
25
38
At 4 weeks
Body weight (g)
153.7 +
159.5 +
153.9 +
143.6 +
177.7 +
159.4 +
150.3 +
130.9 +
5.14
3.27
3.72
4.55d
7.55d
5.93
4.53
4.88C
Kit mortality
birth to 4 weeks (%)
2.
17.
20.
30.
33.
26.
41.
13.
3
4
0
1
3
1
9
6
aFemales fed control or PCB-supplemented diets from January 6, 1976, to June 28, 1977. Data pertain to only second
reproductive periods (March-June 1977). Data for first reproductive period (March-June 1976) are presented in
Table 3.
''Kit females whelped and nursed by females fed the same control or PCB-supplemented diets since January 6, 1976, or
whelped by females fed non-PCB-supplemented diets and placed on the PCB-supplemented diets from weaning (July 15,
1976) through June 28, 1977.
cSignificantly different (P<0.01) from control by Dunnett's t-test.
dSignificantly different (P<0.05) from control by Dunnett's t-test.
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TABLE 5. BIOMASS3 OF MINK KITS FROM BIRTH TO FOUR WEEKS OF AGE PRODUCED BY
LACTATINC FEMALES FED THE CONTROL DIET OR DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AROCLOR 1016
Dietary
treatment
I
Basic dietb
(control)
II
Basic dietb
plus 2 ppm PCB
III
Basic dietb
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic dietb
plus 25 ppm PCB
I
Basic diet
(control)
II
Basic dietc
plus 2 ppm PCB
III
Basic diet0
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic dietc
plus 25 ppm PCB
Mink
reproductive
status
1st
reproductive
period
1st
reproductive
period
1st
reproductive
period
1st
reproductive
period
2nd
reproductive
period0
1st
reproductive
periodd
2nd
reproductive
period0
1st
reproductive
period^
2nd
reproductive
period0
1st
reproductive
periodd
2nd
reproductive
period0
1st
reproduct i ve
periodd
Average number Average kit body
of kits/ weight gain (g) from
lactating female birth to 4 weeks Biomass (g)
4.33 170.9 740.0
2.75 159.4 438.4
4.20 168.1 706.0
1.83 123.0 225.1
4.78 144.0 688.3
6.33 150.0 949.5
5.60 145.2 813.1
5.00 135.2 676.0
2.80 166.8 467.0
2.43 150.7 366.2
4.17 141.2 588.8
4.22 121.4 512.3
aBiomass = average kit body weight gain between birth and 4 weeks of age times
the average number of kits raised per lactating female.
Females fed experimental diets from January 6, 1976, to June 30, 1976.
cFemales fed experimental diets from January 6, 1976, to June 28, 1977.
Kits whelped and nursed by females fed the same diet since January 6, 1976, or
whelped by non-PCB-treated fenalcs and fed the experimental diet (July 15/1976,
through June 28, 1977, as described in text).
10
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TABLE 6. AVERAGE BODY WEIGHT (+ S.E.) (IN GRAMS) OF MINK FED A CONTROL DIET OR
DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AROCLOR 1016 FROM JANUARY, 6, 1976, TO JULY 1, 1976
Dietary
t rea tment
I
Basic diet
(control)
II
Basic diet
plus 2 ppm PCB
III
Basic diet
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
Sex
F 884.
M 1,493.
F 889.
M 1,740.
F 867.
M 1,753.
F 825.
M 1,525.
1/6/76
6 + 27.55
(12)a
3 + 166.04
(3)
2 + 30.19
(12)
0 + 47.25
(3)
9 + 30. 46
(12)
3 + 99.57
(3)
8 + 28.30
(12)
0 + 51.96
(3)
2/3/76
895.8 + 22.37
(12)
1,398.3 + 152.46
(3)
840.8 + 27.83
(12)
1,495.0 + 7.64
(3)
855.4 + 19.71
(12)
1,666.7 + 112.88
(3)
801.7 + 22.58
(12)
1,456.7 + 32.79
(3)
Date
3/2/76
950.0 + 30.81
(12)
1,381.7 + 149.33
(3)
874.2 + 21.28
(12)
1,426.7 + 29.01
(3)
940.8 + 30.62
(12)
1,730.0 + 153.7
(3)
846.7 + 29.99
(12)
1,473.3 + 113.34
(3)
Four weeks post
whelping or 6/2/76 7/1/76
853.8 + 24.11
(12)
1,533.3 + 86.68
(3)
935.9 + 51.97
(11)
1,745.0 + 25.00
(2)
890.5 + 44.26
(11)
1,770.0 + 68.06
(3)
868.2 + 39.37
(11)
1,683.3 + 49.13
(3)
780.8 + 21.
(12)
1,473.3 + 54.
(3)
772.5 + 48.
(10)
1,645.0 + 25.
(2)
803.5 + 34.
(10)
1,598.3 + 31.
(3)
799.1 + 29.
(11)
1,626.7 + 23.
(3)
62
9-0
84
00b
16
18
46
98b
aNumber,, of mink.
bSignificantly different (P<0.05) from control by Dunnett's t-test.
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TABLE 7. AVERAGE BODY WEIGHT (+ S.E.) (IN GRAMS) OF MINK FED A CONTROL DIET OR DIETS SUPPLEMENTED
WITH AROCLOR 1016 FROM JANUARY 6, 1976a, CR JULY 15, 1976, TO JUNE 28, 1977
Dietary
treatment
1
Basic diet
( contro 1 )
1 1
Basic diet
plus 2 ppro PCB
1 1 1
Basic diet
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
Mink
status Sex 7/15/76
2nd yrb F 81 1.7 + 22.92
(I2)c
M 1,506.7 + 59.23
(3)
1st yrb F 631.0 +_ 15.45
( 10)
M 896.0 + 23.81
(10)
2nd yr F 732.2 + 52.30
(9)
M 1,560.0 + 10.0
(2)
1st yr F 704.0 +_ 12. 22s
( 10)
M 985.6 + 24.52
(9)
2nd yr F 797.0 + 27.85
( 10)
M 1,520.0^52.92
(3)
1st yr F 703.0 + 21 .03s
(10)
M 1,080.0 + 46.2I9
(10)
2nd yr F 783.6 +_ 27.24
(II)
M 1,680.0 + 1 15.47
(3)
1st yr f 704.0 + 28.88e
( 10)
M 846.0 + 37.75
( 10)
8/15/76
805.0 + 28.54
(12)
1,496.7 _+ 77.52
(3)
801.0 + 15.59
( 10)
1 ,092.0 + 23.61
( 10)
802.8 +_ 53.31
(9)
1,557.5 +_ 2.5
(2)
857.0 + 10.25
( 10)
1,073.3 +_ 26.52
(9)
792.0 + 25.89
( 10)
1 ,440.0 + 61.10
(3)
798.5 + 24.54
(10)
1 , 130.0 + 28.56
( 10)
794. 1 + 26.91
(II)
1 ,456.7 + 51.72
(3)
764.0 + 21 .77
( 10)
1,050.0 + 31.87
( 10)
Date
9/14/76
894.2 + 19.81
(12)
1 ,570.0 + 63.71
(3)
1 ,012.0 + 23.48
( 10)
1,364.0 +_ 31.29
(10)
908.3 +_ 47.65
(9)
1 ,772.5 + 2.5
(2)
1,059.5 +^ 25.35
( 10)
1 ,342.8 + 40.54
(9)
874.0 + 36.87
( 10)
1,675.0 + 77.51
(3)
997.5 +_ 28.96
( 10)
1,397.0 + 44.25
( 10)
865.5 + 29.52
(II)
1 ,625.0 + 53.46
(3)
892.0 + 24.67s
( 10)
1, 275.0 + 36.46
( 10)
10/14/76
1,014.2 +_ 23.31
(12)
1,641.7 + 60.55
(3)
1, 1 18.5 + 27.60
( 10)
1,520.0 ^37.20
( 10)
1 ,016.7 + 44. 15
(9)
1 ,872.5 + 52.50
(2)
1 , 150.0 + 31 .69
( 10)
1,510.6 +_ 53.55
(9)
979.0 +_ 29.27
( 10)
1 ,833.3 + 52.42
(3)
1,082.0 +_ 31.74
( 1C)
1,565.5 + 44.08
( 10)
971.4 +_ 28.39
(II)
1,696.3 +_ 91.04
(3)
928.0 + 25. 308
( 10)
1,372.0 i_ 32.67f
( 10)
1 1/13/77
1,043.3 ^28.01
(12)
1 ,745.0 + 57.95
(3)
1 , 184.0 + 36.58
( 10)
1,593.3 +_ 50.09
(9)
1 ,024.4 + 52.90
(9)
1 ,810.0 + 70.00
(2)
1,134.0 +_34.55
( 10)
1,457.8 ^63.8If
(9)
987.0 + 38. 12
( 10)
1,818.3 + 73.41
(3)
1,030.0 ^36.67
( 10)
1,627.0 ^56.72
( 10)
1 ,036.4 t 35.04
(II)
1 ,753.3 + 7B.62
(3)
987.5 + I5.878
( 10)
1,375.0 t_5l.76°
( 10)
12
-------
TABLE 7. (continued)
Date
D letary
treatment
1
Basic diet
(centre 1 )
1 1
Basic diet
plus 2 ppm PCB
1 1 1
Basic diet
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
Mink
stjtus Sex
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
M
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
M
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
M
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
M
12/18/76
997.5 + 22.07
-------
TABLE 8. HEMATOCRIT AND HEMAGLOBIN VALUES FOR MINK FED A CONTROL DIET OR DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AROCLOR 1016 FROM
JANUARY 6, 1976, OR JULY 15, 1976, TO JUNE 28, 1977
Hematocrlt (% +_ S.E.
D ietary
treatment
1
Basic diet
( contro 1 )
1 1
Basic diet
plus 2 ppm PCB
1 1 1
Basic diet
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Bas i c diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
Mink Four weeks
status Sex P°st whelping or
6/2/76
2nd yrc F 53.8 +_ 0.92
(12)
M 59.7 + 1 .71
(3)
1st yrd F
M
2nd yr f 54.3 + 0.54
(II)
M 55. 5 _f 0.50
(2)
1st yr F
M
2nd yr F 53.6 + 1. 15
(II)
M 56.3 + 1.24
(3)
1st yr F
M
2nd yr F 51.7 + 1. 16
(II)
M 56.0 + 1.53
(3)
1st yr F
M
Four days
post whelping
1977
45.5 + 1 .44
( 10)
48.7 + 0.84
(7)
46.7 _+ 1.51
(7)
46.0 + 1.30
(7)
47.3 + 1.20
(6)
49. 1 + 1.29
(7)
44.9 + 1.33
(7)
48.9 + 0.34
(9)
) Hemoglobl
Four weeks
post whelping or
6/28/77 6/2/76a
52.5 + 1 . 1 1 17.6 + 0.26
(12) (12)
40.6 + 5.55
(3)
52.4 +_ 0.83
( 10)
51.8 + 1.38
(3)
52. 3 _+ 2. 27 IS. 3^0.30
(8) (II)
48.8 + 2.75
(2)
54.2 + 0.78
(10)
54. 1 + 1.49
(3)
50.6 + 1. 1 1 18.0 + 0.33
(8) (II)
52.3 + 4. 13
(3)
53.8 ± 1.20
(10)
52.6 _+ 0.83
(3)
50.5 + 1. 12 17.0 + 0.35
(II) (II)
52.8 + 2.32
(3)
49.7 + 1.49
(10)
57.3 _+_ 2.74
(2)
n (gm % + S.E.)
Four days
post whelping
I977h
14.9 + 0.49
( 10)
16.0 +_ 0.33
(7)
15.4 + 0.51
(7)
15.7 + 0.65
(7)
16.0 + 0.34
(6)
16.5 +_ 0.40
(7)
14.9 + 0.61
(7)
16.5 + 0. 16
(91
6/28/77 b
16.7 +_ 0.52
( 12)
14.8 + 1 .44
(3)
16.0 + 0.56
(10)
15.7 + 0.46
(3)
16. 1 + 0.86
(8)
15.4 + 0.90
(2)
16.7 + 0.29
(10)
16.6 + 0.27
(3)
16.8 _+ 0.55
(8)
16.4 +_ 1.00
(3)
17.5 + 0.40
(10)
16.2 + 0.20
(3)
16.4 _+ 0.37
(II)
17.4 + 0.93
(3)
15.8 _+ 0.43
(10)
18.4 + 0.0
(2)
dHf_-iriorjloUn determined with an AO Spencer Hb-meter.
Hornoj lob I n do term I ned by the cyanmethemog I obi n method.
cMlnk plocud un uA\\r(j\ or uxpor Irnurito I diets January 6, 1976.
Mink wholpod and nursod by females fed the same control or PCB-supplemented diets from January 6, 1976, to June 2, 1976, or
win. I pud by f om.j I uo f ud non-l'(,h-Mipp I omen hod d I et5 and p I acod on PCD-sup p I omen tod diets July 15, 1976.
14
-------
TABLE 9. DIFFERENTIAL BLOOD CELL COUNTS (JUNE 28, 1977) FOR MINK FED A CONTROL DIET OR DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AROCLOR 1016
FROM JANUARY 6, 1976, OR JULY 15, 1976, TO JUNE 28, 1977
Dietary
treatment
1
Basic diet
(contro 1 )
1 1
Basic diet
plus 2 ppm PCB
1 1 1
Basic diet
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
Mink
status Sex
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
M
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
-
M
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
M
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
M
Neutroph 1 Is
Eos Inoph 1 Is
3
2
3
7
2
7
3
6
4
3
2
5
2
5
1
8
.6 +
( 10)
.7 +
(3)
. 1 +
(9)
.3 +
(3)
.9 +_
(8)
.5 +_
(2)
.0 +
( 10)
.0 +
(3)
. 1 +
(8)
.3 t_
(3)
. 1 +
( 10)
.3 +_
(3)
.5 +_
(II)
.0 +
(3)
.7 +_
( 10)
.0 +_
(2)
0.83
1 .45
0.57
1 .27
0.72
1.50
1 .06
1 .00
1.27
0.88
0.60
0.93
0.84
2.65
0.67
3.00
Basoph 1 Is
0.9 + 0. 18
( 10)
0.0 + 0.0
(3)
1.0 + 0.44
(9)
0.7 t_ 0.33
(3)
0.6 + 0.26
(8)
1.0 +_ 1 .00
(2)
0.9 +_ 0.18
( 10)
1.0 +_ 0.58
(3)
0.8 + 0.41
(8)
0.7 +_ 0.67
(3)
0.3 +_ 0.30
( 10)
1.3 + 0.97
(3)
0.6 + 0.28
(II)
1.3 + 0.33
(3)
0.6 + 0. 16
(10)
0.5 + 0.50
(2)
Band
1.0 +_
(10)
1.3 +_
(3)
0.2 +_
(9)
0.3 +_
(3)
0.6 +
(8)
2.0 +_
(2)
1.0 _+_
( 10)
0.0 +_
(3)
1.0 +
(8)
0.3 +_
(3)
0.8 +
( 10)
1.0 +_
(3)
2.0 +_
(II)
1.3 +_
(3)
0.6 +_
( 10)
3.0 +_
(2)
0.33
1.33
0.15
0.33
0.38
0.0
0.47
0.0
0.63
0.33
0.39
1.00
0.49
0.67
0.34
3.00
Mature
66.5 +_
( 10)
54.7 +
(3)
71.1 t
(9)
50.0 +
(3)
66. 1 +
(8)
49.5 +_
(2)
64.4 +
( 10)
43.7 +
(3)
58.9 +
(8)
55.0 +
(3)
67.4 +
( 10)
51.0 +_
(3)
68.3 _+_
(II)
60.7 +_
(3)
70.4 +
( 10)
66.0 +
(2)
2.14
4.69
3.27
3.00
3.34
2.50
2.89
4.83
3.79
2.65
4.00
4.04
2.66
1 .64
3.00
2.00
Lymphocytes
24.0 +
( 10)
36.7 ±_
(3)
19.8 +
(9)
35.7 +_
(3)
23.9 +
(8)
35.5 +_
(2)
25.7 +
( 10)
43.0 +
(3)
30.6 +
(8)
33.0 +_
(3)
24.0 +
( 10)
37.0 +
(3)
22.6 +
(II)
27.7 +
(3)
23.1 +
( 10)
17.0 +
(2)
1 .55
4.36
2.72
7.86
3.27
2.50
1 .73
4.04
3.91
1.53
3.44
5. 13
2.20
1.44
2.43
3.0
3
4
4
6
5
4
5
6
4
7
5
4
3
4
3
6
Monocytes
.9 +_ 0.60
( 10)
.7 +_ 1 .85
(3)
.8 + 0.98
(9)
.0 +_ 2.65
(3)
.9 +_ 0.93
(8)
.5 + 1 .90
(2)
. 1 + 0.71
( 10)
.3 + 0.89
(3)
.4 -I- 0.53
(8)
.3 + 0.89
(3)
.3 + 0.54
( 10)
.3 + 0.67
(3)
.8 ^ 0.50
(II)
.0 +_ 2.08
(3)
.6 + 0.48
( 10)
.0 + 0.0
(2)
15
-------
TABLE 10. MEAN ORGAN WEIGHTS3 OF MINK FED A CONTROL DIET OR DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH AROCLOR 1016 FROM JANUARY 6, 1976,
OR JULY 15, 1976, TO JUNE 28, 1977
D ietary
treatment
1
Basic diet
(contro 1 J
1 1
Bas ic d i et
pi us 2 ppm PCB
1 1 1
Basic diet
pi us 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
Mink
status Sex
2nd yrb F
M
1st yrc F
M
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
M
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
M
2nd yr F
M
1st yr F
M
Number Liver
12
3
10
3
8
2
10
3
8
3
10
3
1 1
3
10
2
344.2 +
722.3 J;
319.9 +
462.0 +
300.0 +
651 .8 +
277.6 +_
393.6 +
303.9 +_
61 1.8 +
313.8 t
426.3 jf
380.2 +
454.7 +
316. 1 +
397.5 _+
25.35
184.81
8.88
12.77
34.23
265.75
15.13
25.58
14.03
213.95
16.53
52.51
37.23
19.56
16.09
57.70
Sp leen
32. 1
78.2
37.5
46.7
38.2
60. 1
27.0
29.4
29.4
71.5
28. 1
42.2
33.2
38.9
33.6
41.3
_+_ 4.85
_+ 22.20
+ 8.23
+_ 2.36
+ 6.89
+_ 25.4
+ 2.48
+ 6.57
j_3. 16
+ 21.62
+ 2.56
t 1 1.84
+_ 5.12
+_ 15. 16
+ 3. 12
_t 8.70
Organ
K i dney
57.4 + I .95
83. 1 + 3.49
56.9 + 2.32
67.8 + 4.62
52.6 + 3.03
63.3 + 0.7ld
50.0 +_ 2.03
58.8 + 4.27
50.5 +_ 1.59
74.6 + 2. 12
52.3 + 1 .42
74.9 _+ 3.93
52.6 +_ 1.48
59.1 +_ 2.0ld
53.5 +_ 1 .37
64.9 + 3.85
Lung
82.4 +_
1 14. 1 +
83.6 j^
109.9 +
74.1 +_
126.7 +
72.7 +
100.8 +
76.0 +
1 14.2 +
89.3 +
1 17.2 _+
80.6 +_
101 .2 +
80.9 +
1 10.0 +
3.66
4.84
3.41
3.28
3.00
10.7
3.57
1 1.24
2.68
1 1.62
6.93
8.51
2.19
10. 19
2.75
0. 14
Adrenal
1.25 ^ 0.09
1.60 + 0.40
1.24 +_ 0.10
1.00 t 0. 10
1.35 +_ 0. 13
1.00 t 0.30
0.96 +_ 0.06
0.93 + 0. IB
1.18 +_ 0.03
1.37 + 0.04
1.06 t 0.04
1.07 + 0.04
1.26 +_ 0.10
1 .07 + 0.09
1.20 + 0.09
1.20 + 0.30
Heart
66.6 + 1 .64
101. 0 +_ 9.37
71.1 + 3.81
78.7 +_ 3.18
80.8 ^ 4.2ld
1 10.3 +_ 22.20
74.4 + 3.21
88.6 + 1 1.57
69.4 +_ 1.34
121.9 jt; 24.77
75. 1 + 3.02
89.2 t 3. 17
78.7 + 3.49d
92. 1 + 7.81
69.5 t 2.50
76.9 + 4.50
Expressed as % of brain weight^ S.E.
^Mlnk fed control or PCB-supplemented diets from January 6, 1977 to June 28, 1977.
GMInk whelped and nursed by females fed the same control or PCB-supplemented diets since January 6, 1976 or whelped by females
fed non-PCB-supplamented diets and placed on PCB-supplemented diets from July 15, 1976 through June 28, 1977.
d£ l.jn I Mcantly different (P
-------
The PCB residue in the tissues of mink fed the experimental diets over
the 18-month period and in newborn kits whelped by females in each dietary
group was directly related to the quantity of Aroclor 1016 in the diet (Table
11). The PCB residues were greatest in the adipose tissue.
17
-------
TABLE II. AVERAGE PCB RESIDUES (ppm)a IN TISSUES FROM CONTROL MINK fND MINK FED DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH
AROCLOR 1016 FROM JANUARY 6, 1976, TO JUNE 28, 1977, AND IN NEWBORN KITS WHELPED BY THESE FEMALES
D letary
treatment
1
Basic diet
(control )
1 1
Basic diet
plus 2 ppm PCB
1 II
Basic diet
plus 10 ppm PCB
IV
Basic diet
plus 25 ppm PCB
Number
of mink per
pooled sample
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
2
3
T Issue
Sex
F
F
F
F
M
F
F
F
F
M
F
F
F
F
M
F
F
F
F
M
Brain
N.D.b
N.D.
N.D.
0.01 1
N.D.
0.032
0.032
0.044
0.047
0.049
0.056
0.136
0.832
0.089
0. 170
0.231
0.177
0.203
0.147
0.139
Liver
0.018
N.D.
0.031
N.D.
N.D.
0.365
0.137
0.306
0.175
0.070
0.214
0.626
0.296
0.393
0.529
0.903
0.517
0.882
0.714
0.610
Heart
0.017
N.D.
N.D.
N.D.
N.D.
0.033
0.066
0.048
0.051
0.041
0.055
0.096
0.020
0.122
0.097
0.053
0.145
0.245
0.042
0.348
Kidney
N.D.
N.O.
N.D.
N.D.
N.D.
0.059
0.060
0.047
0.089
0.052
0.218
0.352
0.172
O.I 16
0.399
0.201
0.287
0.417
0.216
0.419
Skeletal
muse le
N.D.
0.007
N.D.
N.D.
N.D.
0.026
0.033
0.063
0.056
0.040
0.201
0.212
0.190
0.177
0.320
0.443
0.318
0.253
0.315
0.378
Adipose tissue
N.D.
N.D.
N.D.
0.138
0.072
1.938
2.272
2.675
0.949
1.474
4.513
7.621
5.606
4.129
4.109
7.805
7.308
6.757
9.651
8.517
Kits
0.006C
0.040
0.149
0.254
"Analysis by Pesticide Analytical Lab, Pesticide Research Center, Michigan State UnIversIty, East Lansing, Ml 48824.
bN.D. none detected; detection limits for Aroclor 1016 = 0 ppb.
cPoo!ed sample of four kits per dietary treatment.
18
-------
SECTION 5
DISCUSSION
The results of this study indicate that mink can ingest up to 25 ppm of
Aroclor 1016 in their diet for 18 months without total reproductive failure.
These findings are in sharp contrast to those reported from feeding mink
Aroclor 1254 (Aulerich and Ringer 1977) or meat from cows fed Aroclor 1254
(Platonow and Karstad 1973). As little as 2 ppm Aroclor 1254 in the diet of
mink from August to June, or 5 ppm from January to June resulted in nearly
complete reproductive failure, and higher concentrations of the compound
caused complete reproductive failure and death of adults (Aulerich and
Ringer 1977). Similar effects, though somewhat less toxic than those noted
with Aroclor 1254, have also been found from feeding mink various
concentrations of Aroclor 1242 (Ringer, unpublished data).
Food consumption was not measured in this study, but if one assumes that
an adult female mink consumes about 150 g of food per day (Schaible 1971),
the total intake of PCB by the female mink that received 25 ppm supplemental
Aroclor 1016 in the diet for almost 18 months would have been over 2,000 mg,
or 20 times the amount of Aroclor 1254 that resulted in reproductive failure
in previous trials (Aulerich and Ringer 1977).
Although the effects of feeding Aroclor 1016 to mink were not as
dramatic as those that occurred from feeding other Aroclors, some detrimental
results attributed to Arcolor 1016 were observed in this study. The reduced
4-week weights of the kits nursed by primaparous females fed the 25 ppm
PCB-supplemented diet (Table 3, Table 4) and the excessive kit mortality
between birth and 4 weeks that occurred on most of the PCB-supplemented diets
suggest that lactation may have been adversely affected quantitatively or
qualitatively, or both. Polychlorinated biphenyls are excreted in milk
(Platonow et al. 1971, Fries et al. 1972). Up to 4 weeks of age, almost all
the kits' weight gains can be attributed to the nourishment provided by the
dam's milk. Biomass (average gain in kit body weight between birth and 4
weeks of age times the average number of kits raised per lactating female)
provides for a comparison of the lactational performance between the groups
and suggests that lactation was affected on the higher PCB-supplemented
diets (Table 5). Suboptimum kit growth and an excessively high mortality
have been reported in mink kits nursed by females fed Great Lakes fish
contaminated with PCB's (Aulerich et al. 1973).
The lower body weights recorded during the early part of the study of
the Ist-year mink fed the diet supplemented with 25 ppm PCB (Table 7) might
be due to reduced palatability of the food. As the study progressed, the
body weight differences between this group and the control were not
significant. In other feeding trials, in which PCB's have been noted to
19
-------
suppress weight gains in mink (Ringer et al. 1972), the reduction in body
weights became more pronounced as the study progressed.
No alterations were observed in the hematological characteristics measured
in this study, or in mink fed Aroclors 1016, 1221, 1242, or 1254 at
2 ppm for 10 months by Iwamoto (1973). Platonow and Karstad (1973), however,
reported disseminated intravascular coagulation and multiple hemorrhages in the
lungs, brain, spleen, and liver of mink fed beef contaminated with Aroclor 1254
at a concentration of 3.6 ppm.
The reduced kidney weights of mink fed diets supplemented with Aroclor
1016 were in contrast to the increased kidney, liver, and heart weights in mink
fed Aroclor 1254 (Aulerich and Ringer 1977). Goldstein et al. (1975) compared
the effects of feeding rats Aroclors 1242 and 1016 and found that Aroclor 1242
increased liver weight, whereas Aroclor 1016 had no affect on liver weight.
The PCB residues of the newborn kits (Table 11) suggest that Aroclor 1016
passes the placental barrier in mink. Polychlorinated biphenys are known to be
excreted via the milk (Platonow et al. 1971, Fries et al. 1972), and it is
possible that the newborn kits may have nursed before their collection for PCB
residue analysis. Studies by Villeneuve et al. (1971) and Platonow and Chen
(1973), however, have demonstrated placental transfer of Aroclor 1254 in
rabbits and cattle.
The tissue residues of Aroclor 1016 in the adults (Table 11) were
considerably lower than those reported for mink fed comparable levels of
Aroclors 1242, 1248, and 1254 by Platonow and Karstad (1973) and Aulerich and
Ringer (1977). This result is in agreement with the report of Kaley et al.
(1976) that Aroclor 1016 accumulates more slowly and to a lesser extent in rat
tissues than Aroclor 1242. This difference, as well as differences in the
toxicity of these Aroclors to mink may therefore be due to limited absorption
of Aroclor 1016, a higher excretion rate of Aroclor 1016, or increased
metabolism of Aroclor 1016.
According to Curley et al. (1971) and Weigel and Smith (1974), PCB's with
a higher number of chlorine atoms per molecule are retained in tissues for
longer periods of time than those with a lower percentage of chlorination.
Aroclor 1016 contains 41.3% chlorine (Goldstein et al. 1975), but only about
one-tenth the level of the more resistant pento- and hexachlorobiphenyls as
Aroclor 1242, which contains 42% chlorine (Kaley et al. 1976). In studies
comparing the effects of Aroclors 1254 (54% chlorine) (Bickers et al. 1972) and
1242 (Goldstein et al. 1975) with Aroclor 1016, it was found that Aroclors 1242
and 1254 produced a manyfold increase in some drug-metabolizing enzymes,
whereas Aroclor 1016 produced a maximum increase of only 40-50% in most
enzymes. Thus, metabolism of PCB's appears to be dependent upon not only the
percentage of chlorination, but also upon the percentage of chlorination of the
various homologs, which could account for the higher tolerance of mink for
Aroclor 1016 observed in this study than for Aroclor 1254 observed in previous
studies.
20
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REFERENCES
Asher, S. J., R. J. Aulerich, R. K. Ringer, and H. Kitchen. 1976. Seasonal
and age variations which occur in the blood parameters of ranch mink.
U.S. Fur Rancher 56(4): 4, 6, 9.
Aulerich, R. J., and R. K. Ringer. 1977. Current status of PCB toxicity to
mink, and effect on their reproduction. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.
6: 279-292.
Aulerich, R. J., R, K. Ringer, and S. Iwamoto. 1973. Reproductive failure and
mortality in mink fed on Great Lakes fish. J. Reprod. Pert. Suppl. 19:
365-376.
Bickers, D. R., L. C. Harber, A. Kappas, and A. P. Alvares. 1972. Polychlor-
inated biphenyls: comparative effects of high and low chlorine containing
Aroclors® on hepatic mixed function oxidase. Res. Comm. in Chem. Pathol .
Phartnacol. 3(3): 505-512.
Bowness, E. R. 1968. The variable pregnancy period in mink. Fur Trade J.
Can. 46(1) : 4-7.
Curley; A., V. W. Burse, M. E. Grim, R. W. Jennings, and R. E. Linder. 1971.
Polychlorinated biphenyls: distribution and storage in body fluids and
tissue of sherman rats. Environ. Res. 4: 481-495.
Davidson, I., and J. B. Henry. 1965. Todd-Sanford clinical diagnosis by
laboratory methods. W. B. Saunders Co., Philadelphia. p. 164.
Eilers, R. J. 1967. Notification of final adoption of an international method
and standard solution for hemoglobinometry specifications for preparation
of standard solution. Amer. J. Clin. Pathol. 47: 212-214.
Fletch, S. M.J and L. H. Karstad. 1972. Blood parameters in healthy mink.
Can. J. Comp. Med. 36: 275-281.
Fries, G. F., G. S. Marrow Jr., and C. H. Gordon. 1972. Similarity of a
polychlorinated biphenyl (Aroclor 1254) and DDE in rate of elimination
from cows. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.' 7(4): 252-256.
Goldstein, J. A., P. Hickman, V. W. Burse, and H. Bergman. 1975. A
comparative study of two polychlorinated biphenyl mixtures (Aroclor 1242
and 1016) containing 42% chlorine on induction of hepatic porphyria and
drug metabolizing enzymes. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 32: 461-473.
Iwamoto, S. 1973. The effects of polychlorinated biphenyls and coho salmon on
mink. M.S. Thesis. Michigan State Univ., E. Lansing, Michigan 73 p
21
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Jensen, S. 1966. Report of a new chemical hazard. New Sci. 32: 612.
Jorgensen, G., and G. Christensen. 1966. Relationship between hemoglobin
values and fur properties in mink. Nord. Vet. Med. 18: 166-173.
Kaley, R. G., 0. Hicks, W. M. Mees, E. S. Tucker, J. P. Mieure, F. R. Johannsen,
and G. J. Levinskas. 1976. Tissue residues from subacute oral feeding of
polychlorinated biphenyl dielectric fluids. Bull. Environ. Contam.
Toxicol. 15: 699-707.
Lichtenstein, E. P., K. R. Schulz, T. W. Fuhremann, and T. T. Liang. 1969.
Biological interaction between plasticizers and insecticides. J. Econ.
Ent. 62: 761-765.
Penning, C. H. 1930. Physical characteristics and commercial possibilities of
chlorinated biphenyl. Ind. Eng. Chem. 22: 1180-1182.
Platonow, N. S., and N. Y. Chen. 1973. Transplacental transfer of polychlor-
inated biphenyls (Aroclor 1254) in a cow. Vet. Rec. 90: 69-70.
Platonow, N. S., and L. H. Karstad. 1973. Dietary effects of polychlorinated
biphenyls on mink. Can. J. Comp. Med. 37: 391-400.
Platonow, N. S., E. B. Meads, R. M. Liptrap, and F. Lotz. 1976. Effects of
some commercial preparation of polychlorinated biphenyls in growing
piglets. Can. J. Comp. Med. 40: 421-428.
Platonow, N. S., P. W. Saschenbrecker, and H. S. Funnell. 1971. Residues of
polychlorinated biphenyls in cattle. Can. Vet. J. 12(5): 115-118.
Ringer, R. K., R. J. Aulerich, and M. Zabik. 1972. Effect of dietary
polychlorinated biphenyls on growth and reproduction of mink. Amer. Chem.
Soc. 12: 149-154.
Rotenberg, S., and G. Jorgensen. 1971. Some haematological indices in mink.
Nord. Vet. Med. 23: 361-366.
Schaible, P. J. 1971. Nutrition and feeding, Section III, p. 32. In: The
Blue Book of Fur Farming, Editorial Service Co., Milwaukee, Wis.
Skrede, A. 1970. Normal variations in the hemoglobin concentration in mink
blood. Acta Agr. Scand. 20: 257-264.
Thompson, J. F. [ed.] 1977. Manual of analytical methods for the analysis of
pesticide residues in human and environmental samples (Section 9C).
Environmental Toxicology Division, Health Effects Research Laboratory,
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, N.Car
9 p.
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Villeneuve, D. C.3 D. L. Grant, K. Khera, D. J. Clegg, H. Baer, and W. E. J.
Phillips. 1971. The fetotoxicity of a polychlorinated biphenyl mixture
(Aroclor 1254) in the rabbit and in the rat. Environ. Physiol. 1: 67-71.
Weigel, W. W., and C. C. Smith. 1974. Metabolism of a polychlorinated biphenyl
(Aroclor 1016) in rats. Fed. Proc. (Abstr.) 33: 499.
23
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TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing}
1. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/3-80-033
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Toxicity of the Polychlorinated Biphenyl
Aroclor 1016 to Mink
5. REPORT DATE
February 1980 issuing date
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7. AUTHOR(S)
R. J. Aulerich and R. K. Ringer
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
2BH154
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
68-03-1187
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Environmental Research Laboratory - Duluth, MN
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Duluth, MN 55804
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA/600/03
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
Effects of the PCB Aroclor 1016 on reproduction, growth, and survival of
mink (Mustela vison) were investigated. Mink raised according to commercial
mink-ranch procedures were fed diets that contained 0, 2, 10, and 25 ppm
Aroclor 1016 for up to 18 months. Reproduction was not adversely affected,
although kit growth and survival were suboptimum in some of the treated
groups. No hematologic differences were observed between the treated and
non-treated mink, but heart weight increased and kidney weight decreased in
the older animals of two of the three PCB-treated groups. No consistent
gross lesions associated with PCB toxicity were observed. The PCB residue in
mink tissues was directly related to the quantity of Aroclor 1016 in the
diet. Residues in mink kits suggest that Aroclor 1016 passes the placental
barrier.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COSATI Field/Group
Toxicity of PCBs to mink
Mink
Aroclor 1016
PCBs
Toxicity Testing
06 T
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
RELEASE TO PUBLIC
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report!
UNCLASSIFIED
21. NO. OF PAGES
32
20 SECURITY CLASS (This page)
UNCLASSIFIED
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77)
PREVIOUS EDITION IS OBSOLETE
24
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