@misc{kakuschke_are_metalinduced_2011, author={Kakuschke, A., Valenthine-Thone, E., Griesel, S., Fonfara, S., Siebert, U., Prange, A.}, title={Are metal-induced hypersensitivities in harbor seals associated with liver function?}, year={2011}, howpublished = {journal article}, doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.05.034}, abstract = {Environmental exposure to metals is believed to affect marine mammal health adversely including immunosuppression or acute as well as chronic inflammatory processes leading to hypersensitivities or autoimmune diseases. Metal-specific hypersensitivities were found in several pinnipeds of the North Sea. However, hypersensitivity is a complex phenomenon whose characteristics are still not completely understood; in particular, effects on health are not well established. In the present study, we compared basic hematological and biochemical parameters of seals with and without metal-specific hypersensitivities. We found altered hematological parameters and liver enzyme patterns in seals with a metal-induced hypersensitivity, including a reduction in macrophages, an increase in lymphocytes, and elevated levels of lactate dehydrogenase. These findings support the suggestion of a chronic influence of metal pollutants on the health of marine mammals of the North Sea.v}, note = {Online available at: \url{https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.05.034} (DOI). Kakuschke, A.; Valenthine-Thone, E.; Griesel, S.; Fonfara, S.; Siebert, U.; Prange, A.: Are metal-induced hypersensitivities in harbor seals associated with liver function?. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2011. vol. 62, no. 8, 1891-1894. DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.05.034}}