%0 journal article
%@ 0025-326X
%A Kakuschke, A., Valenthine-Thone, E., Griesel, S., Fonfara, S., Siebert, U., Prange, A.

%D 2011
%J Marine Pollution Bulletin
%N 8
%P 1891-1894 
%R doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.05.034
%T Are metal-induced hypersensitivities in harbor seals associated with liver function?
%U https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.05.034
8 
%X 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