"Effects of octylphenol on vitellogenin synthesis and gonadal morphology in the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus (Teleostei, Perciformes)"

G. REY VÁZQUEZ; R. DA CUÑA; Y. PIAZZA; F. MEIJIDE; F. LO NOSTRO; P. BABAY; M. C. MAGGESE; G. GUERRERO

Santiago de Chile, Chile

Congreso; SETAC L.A. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry.; 2005

SETAC LATINOAMERICA

Exposure to environmental pollutants may disrupt endocrine functions and cause reproductive effects in human and wildlife populations. Various groups of chemicals have estrogen-like effects, including degradations products of alkylphenol poly-ethoxilates, such as octylphenol (OP). Laboratory studies have shown that exposure of male fish to xenoestrogens results in induction of circulating vitellogenin (VTG), inhibition of testicular growth, testis abnormalities and formation of intersex gonads. In this study, the impact of OP on reproduction in the cichlid fish Cichlasoma dimerus was evaluated using changes in the levels of VTG in plasma and surface mucus, and histological alterations in the gonads as endpoints. Assays with adult males and females exposed to OP were performed in aquaria under semistatic conditions during 60 days, water changes being made every 84 hours. Treatment groups were: control (ethanol 0,01%); OP 30, 150 and 300 mg/l. Blood and surface mucus samples were taken at the end of the experiment and heterologous antisera were used in dot and Western blot techniques. VTG was detected in plasma and mucus of male and female fish from OP 30 mg/l on. The most salient pathological change in testicular architecture was the alteration of lobule organization with increased testicular fibrosis. Furthermore, abnormality of spermatogenesis was observed in fish from OP 150 and 300 mg/l. These alterations were dose-related.