Is Antarctica still pristine? Nototheniod fish as sentinel species of endocrine disruption

FERREIRA, M.F.; LO NOSTRO, F.; GENOVESE, G.; ANSALDO, M.

Santos, SP

Congreso; 12th SETAC Latinamerica Biennal Meeting; 2017

SETAC

Antarctica has been considered one of the best-preserved environments in the world. However, in the last years, several studies highlighted the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) produced by anthropic impact. We investigate potential alterations on the endocrine system by analyzing endpoints of two notothenioids, Notothenia rossii and N. coriiceps, in order to attain knowledge about potential effects of EDCs on endemic species of Antarctic ichthyofauna and to prevent future effects of pollution in the Antarctic ecosystem. Gonado- (GSI) and hepatosomatic (HSI) indices, gonadal and hepatic histology, and vitellogenin (VTG) immunodetection in plasma and mucus were assessed in females (as control) and males sampled during Antarctic summer campaigns at Potter Cove, 25 de Mayo (King George) Island. GSI and HSI showed no variation in none of the species. Histological analysis of testes showed a restricted lobular type and no histopathological alteration or intersex condition was observed. Nevertheless, liver histology showed different levels of vacuolization in both species and the presence of swelling hepatocytes in N. coriiceps. VTG was detected in 40% of the males studied, not only in plasma but also in skin mucus, being this fact, the first report of mucus VTG in notothenioids. This abnormal response in males would indicate the presence of EDCs in the Antarctic ecosystem. Moreover, we consider VTG detection in fish skin mucus, a noninvasive assay, a promising tool to track EDCs pollution in biomonitoring studies in Antarctica.