Effects of four chlorobenzenes on serum sex steroids and hepatic microsome enzyme activities in crucian carp, Carassius auratus.
Four chlorobenzenes (chlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, p-chloro-methylbenzene) were administrated to the crucian carps (Carassius auratus) by peritoneal injections in the laboratory for 30 days. Serum testosterone and 17 beta-estradiol concentrations were detected using radioimmunology assay (RIA), and the activities of two hepatic microsome enzymes, glutathione s-transferase (GST) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT), were measured using the modified methods as described by Habig and Owens. Results showed that the four chlorobenzenes caused significant increases in serum testosterone concentration in the crucian carps (P < 0.05) compared to the controls, but they caused no significant effect on 17 beta-estradiol level. All test chemicals caused a change in hepatic GST activity in crucian carps, with significant increases in enzyme activity (P < 0.05). Chlorobenzene, 1,3-dichlorobenzene and p-chloro-methylbenzene resulted in a marked inhibition to UDPGT activity in crucian carp (P < 0.05) except 1,4-dichlorobenzene. The changes in hepatic microsome enzyme activities may have resulted in the alterations of serum sex steroids levels in the crucian carps. The results indicated that these four chlorobenzenes may result in the changes of endocrine functions and may affect the reproductive success of this and other species.
State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
Yu
Y
Qian
Daqiang
D
Yin
Yan
Y
Li
Jun
J
Wang
Min
M
Zhang
Shuangqing
S
Hu
D000818:Animals; D002347:Carps / Q000097:blood* / Q000254:growth & development; D002722:Chlorobenzenes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000633:toxicity*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D014453:Glucuronosyltransferase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008862:Microsomes, Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology; D011863:Radioimmunoassay; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism
D002722:Chlorobenzenes; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D014453:Glucuronosyltransferase; D005982:Glutathione Transferase