AN IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY OF RETINOL-BINDING PROTEIN (RBP) IN LIVERS OF FREE-LIVING POLAR BEARS (URSUS MARITIMUS) FROM EAST GREENLAND

• DOI: 10.1638/03-058.1
• Publication Date: 2009-02-05T15:31:57Z
• Authors: Annabelle Heier; Christian Sonne; Andrea Gröne; Pall S. Leifsson; Rune Dietz; Erik W. Born; Luca N. Bacciarini
• Keywords: Ursus maritimus; Retinol binding protein

From 1999 to 2002 samples from 114 free-ranging polar bears (Ursus maritimus) were collected in the municipality of Scoresby Sound, East Greenland, detect levels organochlorines and potential histopathologic changes. Livers 16 female this group evaluated histologically analyzed for hepatic retinol-binding protein by immunohistochemistry. Retinol-binding is main transport retinol, an important vitamin A metabolite bear. Only mild pathologic changes noted on histologic evaluation livers. Small lymphocytic or lymphohistiocytic infiltrates present all lipid granulomas, periportal fibrosis, bile duct proliferation found several cases. Immunohistochemistry tissue showed no distinct difference staining intensity a number criteria: age, season (fasting nonfasting), lactation status. The was diffuse finely stippled cytoplasm very little variation among animals. Because lack macroscopic absence severe liver lesions, these assumed be healthy. cytoplasmic hepatocytes varies markedly prominent granular, less intense captive investigated previously.