The potential of the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) as a combined biomarker for oestrogens and androgens in European waters.
The majority of endocrine disruption studies in Europe have been on non-indigenous species (some of them tropical!)--and none of which has traits that make them suitable for the detection of androgenic compounds. To overcome these problems, we have been developing the stickleback as a model biomarker for testing the effect of endocrine disrupters in European waters. Its advantages are: it is the only fish with a quantifiable in vivo androgen and anti-androgen endpoint (the production of the glue protein, spiggin, by the kidney); it is the only fish in which it will be possible to simultaneously test oestrogenic and androgenic properties of compound; it has a genetic sex marker; it is found in all EU countries; it survives and breeds in both seawater and freshwater; it is extremely robust and can be readily deployed in situ; it displays a variety of pronounced reproductive behaviours; it has a simple and short life cycle, low fecundity and high egg/fry survival rates.
Katsiadaki
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CEFAS Weymouth Laboratory, Dorset, UK. i.katsiadaki@cefas.co.uk
Scott
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Mayer
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D000728:Androgens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D000818:Animals; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D023381:Endpoint Determination; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D008297:Male; D023701:Smegmamorpha / Q000502:physiology*; D013534:Survival; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis
D000728:Androgens; D015415:Biomarkers; D004967:Estrogens; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical