Effect of p-p'-DDE administered in vivo and in vitro on Ca2+ binding and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity in egg shell gland mucose of ducks.

Thinning of the egg shell is produced by p-p'-DDT and DDE in several species of birds. A study was made of the effect of DDE administered in vitro and in vivo on the Ca2+ binding and Ca2+-Mg2+-activated ATPase of a homogenate of the egg shell gland of ducks (Anas platyrhynchos var.). The concentration of Ca2+ was 1 X 10(-4) M and that of MgATP 1 X 10(-3) M. In vitro, DDE in concentrations of 2-16 micrograms/ml of incubation medium inhibited the Ca2+-Mg2+-activated ATPase in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas Mg2+-activated ATPase was not affected by these concentrations. The Ca2+ binding by the homogenate was reduced by DDE in the same concentrations. The sodium azide sensitive Ca2+ binding was most sensitive. In vivo, DDE administered in a concentration of 40 mg/kg dry weight of the food for 45 days reduced the egg shell index by 18% in comparison to controls. After 45 days of treatment the DDE concentrations in the egg shell gland mucosa was 1.20 +/- 0.16 micrograms/g of wet weight, while no DDE was detected in the controls. The Ca2+-Mg2+-activated ATPase was reduced by 32%, whereas the Mg2+-ATPase was not changed. The Ca2+ binding by the homogenate was reduced by 29%, the sodium azide sensitive part being most vulnerable, DDE increased the total Ca content of the egg shell gland mucosa by 44%. Since Ca is transported against a concentration gradient between blood plasma, and the lumen of the shell gland, it is suggested that DDE, by inhibiting the Ca2+-Mg2+-activated ATPase, decreased the Ca translocation over the egg shell gland mucosa.