SEDL / STP / STP757-EB / STP28377S

Placental and Mammary Transfer of Polychlorinated and Polybrominated Biphenyls in the Mink and Ferret

Bleavins, MR
Graduate research assistant and professors, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.

Aulerich, RJ
Graduate research assistant and professors, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.

Ringer, RK
Graduate research assistant and professors, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich.

Pages: 11    Published: Jan 1981

Download this paper for $25 PDF (168K)          View License Agreement
Abstract

The placental and mammary transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) was measured in the mink and European ferret. In short-term studies, PCBs were found to cross the placenta more readily than PBBs. Transfer of PCBs was greater in the ferret than in the mink. In a longer term study of placental and mammary transfer, newborn mink kit concentrations of PCBs and PBBs were similar. However, by 2 weeks of age, PBB levels were significantly higher than PCB levels. Milk levels of PBB were determined to be four times those of PCB. For both compounds, the mother's milk was found to be the major route of offspring exposure, with placental transfer being much less consequential.