%0 journal article
%@ 0025-326X
%A Kakuschke, A., Valentine-Thon, E., Griesel, S., Rosenberger, T., Mundry, R., Siebert, U., Prange, A.

%D 2008
%J Marine Pollution Bulletin
%N 4
%P 764-769 
%R doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.01.015
%T Blood metal levels and metal-influenced immune functions of harbour seals in captivity
%U https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.01.015
4 
%X The metal concentrations, except for tin and chromium, were in general comparable to those of free-ranging animals of the North Sea. The unstimulated and mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation showed strong intra- and inter-individual variability, which reflected variability in activation of the immune status. Furthermore, both immunosuppressive and stimulative influences of metals on lymphocytes were found. Summarising, the methods used in this investigation provided useful information on these animals, and their application to free-ranging animals can be recommended.