Journal
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
Volume 27, Issue 2, Pages 478-488Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1897/07-206R.1
Keywords
fish; vinclozolin; anti-androgen; endocrine disruption; reproduction
Categories
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The objective of the present study was to characterize responses of the reproductive endocrine system of the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) to the fungicide vinclozolin (VZ), using a 21-d reproduction assay, and a shorter-term (approximately two weeks) test in which fish were cotreated with the VZ (a putative anti-androgen) and the androgen 17 beta-trenbolone (TB). Effects on fecundity, gonadal histology, secondary sexual characteristics, reproductive hormones, and relative abundance of androgen receptor (AR) and 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 beta HSD) mRNA transcripts were evaluated in one or both of these studies. Fecundity of VZ-exposed fish was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner in the 21-d test, culminating in complete reproductive failure at a concentration of 700 mu g/L. Exposure to VZ decreased expression of male secondary sexual characteristics-an effect typical of anti-androgens. The finding that exposure of females to TB-induced expression of prominent, male-like tubercles, which could be effectively blocked with VZ, provides powerful evidence of the anti-androgenic activity of VZ in vivo. In the two experiments VZ produced several responses possibly indicative of compensation or adaptation of the fish to the anti-androgen, including increases in gonad weight, AR and 11 beta HSD mRNA transcript abundance, and ex vivo gonadal production of testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone. Overall, our results demonstrate that the model anti-androgen VZ, which also is an environmental contaminant, impairs reproductive success of fathead minnows and elicits endocrine responses consistent with an anti-androgenic mode of action.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available