Plasma cholinesterase activity in the house finch, Carpodacus mexicanus, and the house sparrow, Passer domesticus, collected from pesticide-exposed agricultural land

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2013 Jan;90(1):9-11. doi: 10.1007/s00128-012-0864-8. Epub 2012 Nov 1.

Abstract

Agricultural lands are exposed to pesticides continuously, which impact on habitat of wild species, such birds. The purpose of this study was to determine the plasma cholinesterase activity in two passeriform wild birds, the house finch (Carpodacus mexicanus) and the house sparrow (Passer domesticus), from agricultural land with exposure to pesticides. No significant difference was found in the house finch between specimens captured in non-agricultural and agricultural lands. However, house sparrows had significant differences in plasma cholinesterase activity, which indicates that this species is more sensitive to enzymatic activity inhibition by pesticides, and they could be indicators of pesticide pollution in agricultural areas.

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture
  • Animals
  • Cholinesterases / blood*
  • Colorimetry
  • Environmental Exposure*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity*
  • Female
  • Finches / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mexico
  • Pesticides / toxicity*
  • Sparrows / metabolism*

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Pesticides
  • Cholinesterases