Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #184060
Title: CHOLINESTERASE INHIBITION IN METAMORPHS AND TADPOLES IN THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAINS, CA

Author
item COWMAN, DEBORAH - TEXAS A&M
item SPARLING, DONALD - SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIV
item FELLERS, GARY - USGS
item McConnell, Laura
item LACHER, THOMAS - CONSERVATION INTL

Submitted to: Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/1/2005
Publication Date: 11/13/2005
Citation: Cowman, D.F., Sparling, D.W., Fellers, G.M., Mcconnell, L.L., Lacher, T.E. 2005. Cholinesterase inhibition in metamorphs and tadpoles in the sierra nevada mountains [abstract], CA SETAC North America 26th Annual Meeting, November 13-17, 2005, Baltimore, MD. 170:41.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Declines of native ranid frog populations in the Sierra Nevada mountains may be linked to aerial deposition of pesticides originating from the Central Valley of CA. Pseudacris regilla (Pacific chorus frog) hatchings were translocated (with controls in each park) and placed in cages in sites (approximately 7-8000 ft. in elevation) located in Lassen, Yosemite, and Sequoia National Parks. Cholinesterase was measured in tadpoles collected at 28 days and in juvenile frogs collected upon metamorphosis. Animals were staged according to Gosner; then grouped in the following categories: (PL) prelimb (24-26); (LB) limbbud (27-34); (EHL) early hind limb (35-36); (MHL) middle hind limb (37-39); (LHL) late hind limb (40-41); (meta) metamorph (42-46). ANOVA showed overall differences (p<.0001) between ChE values for metas and all other groups; between LHL and all other groups; there were no differences between MHL, EHL, LB. and PL. ChE values for metas and tadpoles raised at Lassen National Park (reference site) were significantly higher (p<.0001) than values for metas and tadpoles raised at Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks regardless of origin. ChE inhibition can be an indicator of organophosphate insecticide exposure. Effects noted in P. regilla may be magnified in long lived ranid species that are positively correlated with the presence of P. regilla.