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Inhibition of testicular growth in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to estrogenic alkylphenolic chemicals

Journal Article · · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
;  [1]; ; ;  [2]
  1. Brunel Univ., Uxbridge (United Kingdom). Dept. of Biology and Biochemistry
  2. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Burnham on Crouch (United Kingdom)
It is becoming evident that an increasing number of widely used industrial and agricultural chemicals are estrogenic. The biodegradation products of a major group of nonionic surfactants, the alkylphenol polyethoxylates, are one such group. Some of these chemicals are widespread aquatic pollutants, and bioconcentrate in aquatic biota. Exposure of male rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to four different alkylphenolic chemicals caused synthesis of vitellogenin, a process normally dependent on endogenous estrogens, and a concomitant inhibition of testicular growth. The magnitude of these estrogenic effects was dependent on the estrogenic potency of the chemical, the stage of reproductive development of the fish, and the concentration of the chemical in the water. These results support the contention that exposure of wildlife to environmentally persistent estrogenic chemicals can result in deleterious reproductive consequences.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
201256
Journal Information:
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 15; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English