Induction of vitellogenin and gonadal impairment in chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.) after exposure to 17beta-estradiol and testosterone.
OBJECTIVE
A controlled laboratory study was carried out to quantify vitellogenin (VTG) concentrations in a common cyprinid freshwater fish, the chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.), exposed to steroid hormones.


METHODS
The effect of 17betaestradiol, testosterone and testosterone-estradiol mixture was investigated on vitellogenin induction. Gonad status was also determined.


RESULTS
Oral exposure to estradiol and a testosterone-estradiol mixture increased (p < 0.01) blood plasma concentrations of VTG in blood plasma of both sexes. The testosterone-estradiol mixture had a negative effect on the investigated chub gonads. The effects were signified by histological changes when compared to control fish.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed a significant VTG increase in blood plasma of both sexes, indicating that vitellogenic response in the chub is sensitive to steroid hormones.
Zlabek
Vladimir
V
Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology Vodnany, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic. zlabek@vurh.jcu.cz
Berankova
Petra
P
Randak
Tomas
T
Kolarova
Jitka
J
Svobodova
Zdenka
Z
Kroupova
Hana
H
D000818:Animals; D003530:Cyprinidae / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009865:Oocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010053:Ovary / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000633:toxicity*; D014819:Vitellogenins / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*
D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D014819:Vitellogenins; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol