In vitro studies of DDT, DDE, and ATPase as related to avian eggshell thinning

Interspecific and inter-tissue differences were found in the in Vitro sensitivity of oligomycin sensitive ATPase from avian mitochondrial hormogenates to DDE. The ATPase from chicken shell gland was about nine times less sensitive than that from kestrels. DDT, in contrast, was highly effective on ATPase in all tissues tested. The selectivity of DDE action in the eggshell thinning of kestrels is correlated with its action on shell gland ATPase. However, because DDT effectively inhibits ATPase from all tissues studied, a combined effect is possible.