Meeting Abstract

P3.12  Tuesday, Jan. 6  Renal pathologies in giant toads (Bufo marinus) vary across land-use practices HOANG, L.K.*; MCCOY, K.A.; ST MARY, C.M.; GUILLETTE, L.J.; University of Florida; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute; University of Florida; University of Florida kristam@ufl.edu

Kidneys are the principle excretory organs for many vertebrates and excessive or chronic exposure to exogenous toxins can lead to renal pathologies and chronic renal failure. Although many studies have linked exposure to specific chemicals (e.g., pesticides, pharmaceuticals) with specific renal diseases, none compare renal pathologies occurring in wildlife living in different types of human-dominated landscapes which have characteristic chemical milieus. In this study, we use light microscopy to characterize renal morphology and identify pathologies diagnostic of toxin exposure in the giant toad (Bufo marinus) living in suburban and agricultural habitats. We identify tubule and interstitial pathologies that have been associated with toxicant exposure in other organisms, including humans. Pathologies consistent with toxin-induced tubule disease were observed at three sites (one suburban and two agricultural), whereas interstitial pathologies were most severe at one agricultural site. Indeed, some of the pathologies we identify are similar to those found in human drug abusers and patients suffering medication-induced nephropathy. The mechanisms causing differences in toxin-induced renal pathologies across sites and the implications of these pathologies on wildlife health are unknown and warrant further study. A more detailed understanding of the toxicological mechanisms as well as the chemicals involved could help us devise strategies to avoid or mitigate the impacts of toxins on humans and animals living in human modified environments.