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Biomedical subjects

R L Kirkpatrick

Publications and source records attributed to R L Kirkpatrick.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Bioavailability of lead from contaminated sediment in northern bobwhites, Colinus virginianus.

Sediment from Killarney Lake, Idaho was added to the diet of captive northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) to determine absorption of Pb from contaminated sediment. The sediment, containing 4,500 micrograms g-1 Pb dry weight (d.w.), was added to ground poultry ration at 8% dry matter intake (DMI) for 21 days. Concentrations of Pb in blood, liver, and kidneys of each bobwhite were determined and compared to concentrations in untreated control bobwhites. Treated bobwhites showed no significant decline (P > 0.05) in food intake or body mass over time. In 90% of treated bobwhites, blood Pb concentrations reached levels associated with clinical Pb poisoning (> 0.8 microgram g-1 wet weight, w.w.); and all treated bobwhites had elevated liver and kidney Pb concentrations. It was shown that tissue Pb accumulation can occur from ingestion of Pb-contaminated sediment.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Muskrat populations in Virginia's Elizabeth River: physiological condition and accumulation of environmental contaminants.

This study evaluated the physiological condition and environmental contaminant concentrations in muskrats inhabiting the contaminated lower region of the Elizabeth River, Virginia, (USA). Muskrats trapped in the lower region of the Elizabeth River weighed less, had lower mean fat indexes, lower relative spleen weights, greater relative adrenal weights, and an increased incidence of disease and parasitism compared to muskrats trapped in the less contaminated upper region of the Elizabeth River or Nansemond River. Concentrations of the metals aluminum, cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc and the number of polyaromatic hydrocarbon compounds were greater in lower Elizabeth River muskrats compared to upper region Elizabeth River or Nansemond River muskrats. These physiological data indicated that muskrats in the lower region of the Elizabeth River were in poor health relative to muskrats from the other regions studied. However, no significant difference in fecundity or density was observed among regions studied, suggesting that the level of environmental contaminant exposure was not sufficient to elicit a population level response. Greater population declines following severe natural environmental stresses (large storms, extreme cold, etc.) would be anticipated in lower region Elizabeth River muskrats; however, the muskrat population in this region does not now appear to be at risk of extirpation.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

Regulatory aspects of fluoride toxicity.

The polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) contamination incident that occurred in Michigan from 1973 to 1978 brought about an acute consciousness of dairy herd health. At the insistence of owners with assumed low level PBB health complaints and problems, an intensive examination was made of their herds. One of the distinct problems emerging from these team investigations was chronic fluorosis. The discovery of this problem led to state regulations limiting fluorine contentin feeds. The resulting restrictions on this element in Michigan are the most stringent in the United States.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

A modified blow-gun syringe for remote injection of captive wildlife.

A modified syringe capable of automatic injection and suitable for use with a blow-gun is described. The syringe has been used successfully with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) under confined conditions. Desirable characteristics for blow-gun syringes are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1978

Hematologic comparisons of shot and live trapped cottontail rabbits.

Comparisons were made between hematologic measurements of shot and box-trapped cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Trapped rabbits had significantly (P less than 0.001) higher serum corticoid levels and segmented neutrophil percentages and significantly (P less than 0.001) lower lymphocyte percentages than did shot rabbits. Trapped rabbits also had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher packed cell volumes and blood urea nitrogen values than did shot rabbits.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗