Effects of crude oil ingestion on avian intestinal function

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
• Main Authors: Eastin Jr., William C., Murray, Helen C.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1981
• Subjects: Physiology (medical); Pharmacology; General Medicine; Physiology; Prudhoe Bay
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/y81-162; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/y81-162

Intestinal function in mallard ducklings (Anas platyrhynchos) on a freshwater regime was studied after a 7-day dietary ingestion of 0.25% and 2.5% Prudhoe Bay crude oil (PBCO) or a 2.5% paraffin mixture with an in vivo luminal perfusion technique. Dietary ingestion of 2.5% PBCO may have an effect on the integrity of the duckling intestine. There were no significant effects of PBCO on the absorption of Na, Cl, K, or H 2 O compared with control animals. The ducklings fed 2.5% paraffin had a significant depression in Na and H 2 O absorption compared with controls. However, this depression does not seem to be related to an effect on intestinal mucosa Na-K-ATPase activity.