Date of Award

2001

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.Sc.

Department

Biological Sciences

Keywords

Biology, Zoology.

Supervisor

Haffner, D.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

This thesis investigated the hypothesis that environmental xenoibiotics have the potential to alter the immune function of a variety of anuran species. Specifically, the effects of pesticides on the immune function of the northern leopard frog (Rana pipiens) were investigated. Three assays, IgM specific antibody response to KLH-DNP, zymozan induced chemiluminescence of whole blood (CL) and the delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH), were used to assay humoral, innate and cell-mediated immune endpoints. To determine whether pesticides had a measurable effect on the anuran immune system, sublethal doses of o,p'DDT (750 ng/g w.w.), malathion (330 ng/g w.w.) and dieldrin (75 ng/g w.w.) were injected into adult leopard frogs. Overall, the results suggest that some organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides do alter the immune system of adult leopard frogs. Depending upon many factors such as stress, dose and time since exposure, these results may be stimulatory or suppressive. More conclusive statements regarding the immunological status of different populations might be obtained by an in situ cage study. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Biological Sciences. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2001 .G55. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 40-06, page: 1474. Adviser: D. Haffner. Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2001.

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