title: Effects of a candidate antifouling compound (medetomidine) on pheromone induced mate search in the amphipod Corophium volutator.
abstract: Environmental hazards associated with traditional, toxic antifouling coatings based on heavy metals calls for the development of alternative, environmentally acceptable antifouling compounds. Medetomidine ((+/-)-4-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole) is a candidate antifouling biocide which impedes settlement of barnacles in the nanomolar range. Prior to introducing novel biocides it is of great importance to consider potential effects on non-target organisms. This study is the first to investigate the effects of medetomidine on the amphipod Corophium volutator, specifically effects on male mate search behaviour. In a laboratory, Y-maze bioassay, C. volutator males were allowed to follow female pheromones after 24 h exposure to 0 (control), 0.01 and 0.1 microg mL(-1) medetomidine. We found that exposure to medetomidine at both concentrations significantly reduced pheromone induced mate search (by 42-71%), with fewer males crawling towards female odour. The results obtained indicate that medetomidine may impair the reproductive fitness of non-target crustaceans, an aspect that needs to be considered before further commercialisation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Marine Ecology, Göteborg University, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, S-450 34 Fiskebäckskil, Sweden. a.s.krang@kmf.gu.se <a.s.krang@kmf.gu.se>
authors.forename: Anna-Sara
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Krång
authors.forename: Mia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dahlström
mesh_terms: D033304:Amphipoda / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D020926:Medetomidine / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000633:toxicity*; D012623:Seawater / Q000032:analysis; D012724:Sex Attractants / Q000502:physiology; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D010575:Pesticides; D012724:Sex Attractants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D020926:Medetomidine