The Effects of Bisphenol-A on the Immune System of Wild Yellow Perch, Perca flavescens

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an environmental contaminant used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, which has been discovered in freshwater systems worldwide as a result of effluent from manufacturing. This bioactive molecule is an estrogen mimic and has become a concern for exposure, especially during development, resulting in its removal from baby bottles and other consumer products. BPA is an endocrine disruptor in a variety of species and has been classified as a toxic substance in multiple countries. In this study, we examined the effect of BPA exposure on leukocyte counts in wild yellow perch, Perca flavescens. Yellow perch were exposed to either 2, 4, and 8 ppb BPA; Saprolegnia; or a blank control for a period of 7 days. Leukocyte blood counts were significantly higher in Saprolegnia, 4 ppb BPA, and 8 ppb BPA treatments compared to control. To test compound effects of BPA and Saprolegnia on leukocyte counts over a 7-day period, perch were exposed to either 4 ppb BPA, 4 ppb BPA+Saprolegnia, or control. Leukocyte counts were significantly higher in the 4 ppb BPA treatment relative to control. The 4 ppb BPA+Saprolegnia treatment was numerically elevated from the control, exhibiting a 153 % increase relative to control. BPA represents a contaminant with immunomodulatory properties that remain to be determined.