Effects of chronic contaminant exposure in reproductive development of English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus)
- NMFS/NOAA, Seattle, WA (United States)
Field studies on ovarian development in English sole (Pleuronectes vetulus) from urban and non-urban sites in Puget Sound, WA, USA, demonstrated that animals from urban sites exhibiting high levels of fluorescent aromatic compounds (FACS) in bile were less likely to enter vitellogenesis, and had lower plasma estradiol concentrations than animals from non-urban areas. In order to determine the potential contribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) to reproductive dysfunction in this species, adult female English sole were exposed to 0.75% Eagle Harbor sediment (former site of creosote plant containing high concentrations of PAHs), throughout a reproductive cycle (October through February). Contaminant exposure was assessed by measuring biliary FACs and CYPLA, measured as hepatic aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase (AHH) activity. Preliminary results show that sole exposed to Eagle Harbor sediment had increased biliary FACs levels and AHH activity (2,150 {+-} 559 ng/g bile and 263 {+-} 28 p mol/mg/min) compared to controls (361 {+-} 85 ng/g bile and 147 {+-} 19 p mol/mg/min). These results are consistent with the results observed in field studies. However, the stress associated with capture, handling, and holding conditions apparently have inhibited gonadal development in the majority of sole. Relatively few fish (either in control or exposed groups) entered vitellogenesis and no contaminant related differences in reproductive parameters such as plasma estradiol and testosterone concentration were observed. The authors have made improvements in laboratory conditions, and are repeating the experiment with a sole brood stock that is better acclimated to laboratory conditions.
- OSTI ID:
- 203615
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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