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High-precision isotopic analysis sheds new light on mercury metabolism in long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas).

ABSTRACT: Whales accumulate mercury (Hg), but do not seem to show immediate evidence of toxic effects. Analysis of different tissues (liver, kidney, muscle) and biofluids (blood, milk) from a pod of stranded long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) showed accumulation of Hg as a function of age, with a significant decrease in the MeHg fraction. Isotopic analysis revealed remarkable differences between juvenile and adult whales. During the first period of life, Hg in the liver became isotopically lighter (δ²⁰²Hg decreased) with a strongly decreasing methylmercury (MeHg) fraction. We suggest this is due to preferential demethylation of MeHg with the lighter Hg isotopes and transport of MeHg to less sensitive organs, such as the muscles. Also changes in diet, with high MeHg intake in utero and during lactation, followed by increasing consumption of solid food contribute to this behavior. Interestingly, this trend in δ²⁰²Hg is reversed for livers of adult whales (increasing δ²⁰²Hg value), accompanied by a progressive decrease of δ²⁰²Hg in muscle at older ages. These total Hg (THg) isotopic trends suggest changes in the Hg metabolism of the long-finned pilot whales, development of (a) detoxification mechanism(s) (e.g., though the formation of HgSe particles), and Hg redistribution across the different organs.

SUBMITTER: Bolea-Fernandez E

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6513992 | biostudies-literature |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Disturbance-specific social responses in long-finned pilot whales, Globicephala melas.

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Interspecific Hybridization in Pilot Whales and Asymmetric Genetic Introgression in Northern Globicephala melas under the Scenario of Global Warming.

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Globicephala melas

Project description:Globicephala melas overview

| PRJNA181099 | ENA

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