Inhibition of mallard salt gland function by DDE and organophosphates

The effects of selected environmental pollutants on avian salt gland function were studied in the mallard duck, Anas pZatyrhynchos. DDE and several organophosphates were found to have an inhibitory effect on the ability of these glands to concentrate and secrete salt from the body. DDE significantly reduced secretion rates from the salt glands. More severe effects were observed following exposure to organophosphate insecticides; reduction in gland size, reduced ability of the birds to secrete Na+ via the salt glands, and reductions in cholinesterase activities in the salt gland and hypothalamus all contributed to elevated mortality levels in treatment birds over controls.