cDNA sequencing of vitelline envelope protein and gene expression in Cichlasoma dimerus (Teleostei, Perciformes) induced by xenoestrogens

G. GENOVESE; M. REGUEIRA; F. LO NOSTRO; R. DA CUÑA; M. C. MAGGESE; C. LUQUET; D. TOWLE

Mount Desert Island Laboratory Bulletin (MDIBL)

Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory

Lugar: Slasbury Cove, Maine, USA; Año: 2006 vol. 45 p. 127 - 128

A great variety of compounds released in wastewaters from industries and sewage effluents can act as endocrine disrupting chemicals, causing reproductive effects in human and wildlife populations. In fish, xenoestrogens (substances capable of mimicking/blocking the action of natural estrogens) produce feminization, abnormal induction of liver proteins, growth inhibition and abnormalities of testis and development of intersexes1. Known xenoestrogens such as octylphenol (OP) and nonylphenol, come from degradation of alkylphenol polyethoxylates, a group of non-ionic surfactants widely used in detergents, paints, pesticides, cosmetics, textile, paper, and plastic industries5. Vitelline envelope proteins (VEP) are used as exposure biomarkers; they are involved in fertilization processes and contribute to the eggshell hardening, avoidance of polyspermy and protection of the embryo from physicochemical damage. Up to now, 3 types of VEP have been described in fish (alpha, beta and gamma)2,3,4. In most fishes, VEP are under estrogenic control, synthesized by the liver and transported to ovaries through bloodstream. The aim of this work was to obtain partial sequences of VEP, site of production in females, and mRNA expression in a local (Argentina) freshwater fish exposed to OP.