Studies of masculinization, detoxification, and oxidative stress responses in guppies (Poecilia reticulata) exposed to effluent from a pulp mill.
Potential masculinization, detoxification, and oxidative stress responses were assessed in domesticated female guppies (Poecilia reticulata) exposed for 42 days to diluted effluent from a modern Swedish kraft pulp mill or a model androgen. Methyltestosterone induced male-like coloration and transformation of the anal fin into a gonopodium-like structure. The effluent did not induce any apparent changes of the anal fin morphology; however, the exposed guppies became more colored than control fish, which could be an androgenic response. A better understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved in these responses would be required for a full evaluation. Both primary effluent and effluent which had undergone activated sludge treatment caused a moderate but significant induction of hepatic ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity. However, the general toxicity of both effluents was low, as mortality was negligible even at 25% dilutions. There was a continuous production of offspring in all groups (47-62% female fry), except by methyltestosterone-treated females, which did not reproduce. There were no indications that either effluent caused oxidative stress since hepatic glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase and DT-diaphorase activities remained unchanged compared with controls.
Larsson
D G Joakim
DG
Department of Zoology/Zoophysiology, Göteborg University, SE 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. joakin.larsson@fysiologi.gu.se
Kinnberg
Karin
K
Sturve
Joachim
J
Stephensen
Eiríkur
E
Skön
Mandus
M
Förlin
Lars
L
D000818:Animals; D019363:Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 / Q000187:drug effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005835:Genitalia / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects; D005980:Glutathione Reductase / Q000494:pharmacology; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000494:pharmacology; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D016660:NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone) / Q000494:pharmacology; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D010209:Paper; D010858:Pigmentation; D011036:Poecilia / Q000502:physiology*; D012098:Reproduction; D012733:Sex Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*; D012744:Sex Ratio
D007220:Industrial Waste; D019363:Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; D016660:NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone); D005980:Glutathione Reductase; D005982:Glutathione Transferase