ABSTRACT
This overview of immunotoxicology in terrestrial wildlife will include birds, rodents, mink, deer, and related ungulates. One of the major challenges when dealing with immunotoxicology in wildlife is the lack of standardized or validated methodologies, although Fournier et al. (2000) have produced a valuable handbook toward meeting this deficit. Brousseau et al. (1998) have presented various protocols in immunotoxicology with attention to species differences. The authors included adjustments in protocols being applied to a wide range of nondomestic species from marine mammals
to herpetiles and birds. For example, protocols for measuring phagocytosis by peripheral blood neutrophils (heterophils in birds and herpetiles) and monocytes in mink, seals, and waterfowl are detailed. The oxidative burst assay provides information about the functional capacity of cells in the innate immune system. The assays allow the detection of reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions that are produced during inflammation and destruction of foreign antigen. In general, specific reagents and validated protocols in immunotoxicology are limited for wildlife species, but the standard endpoints include immunopathology, B-cell (antibody) and T-cell mediated immunity. Natural killer (NK) cell activity, and macrophage and granulocyte phagocytosis indicate the functional capacity of the innate immune system. Regardless of the focus of individual studies, interactions between immunological responses and hormones must be considered. The final, most meaningful endpoint in immunotoxicology is actual host resistance in the face of bacterial, viral, parasitic, or neoplastic challenges.
