Early Life Stage Exposure to BDE-47 Causes Adverse Effects on Reproductive Success and Sexual Differentiation in Fathead Minnows (Pimephales promelas).
2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), a compound manufactured for use as a flame retardant, is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and suspected endocrine disruptor. Though several studies have explored the reproductive effects of BDE-47 in adult fish, there is a paucity of data regarding the reproductive effects of early life stage exposure. The goal of this study was to assess the reproductive effects of early life stage BDE-47 exposure in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). To achieve this, minnows were exposed to either a low (57.68 μg BDE-47/g Artemia) or high (392.59 μg BDE-47/g Artemia) dose of BDE-47 from fertilization to 34 days postfertilization (dpf) via a combination of maternal transfer and dietary exposure. Larvae were then raised on a clean diet until sexual maturity (∼184 dpf) when reproductive function was evaluated using a 21 day breeding study. Fish exposed to BDE-47 had significantly reduced clutch size and fecundity relative to controls. BDE-47 exposed groups also had female-biased sex ratios and exposed males had fewer tubercles. Overall, this study demonstrates that exposure to BDE-47 during early life stages can alter both sexual differentiation and reproductive function.
Department of Biology, Texas Christian University , Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States.
Leah M
LM
Thornton
Department of Biology, Texas Christian University , Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States.
Elise M
EM
Path
Department of Biology, Texas Christian University , Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States.
Gunnar S
GS
Nystrom
Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas , Denton, Texas 76203, United States.
Barney J
BJ
Venables
Department of Biology, Texas Christian University , Fort Worth, Texas 76129, United States.
Marlo K
MK
Sellin Jeffries
D000818:Animals; D003530:Cyprinidae; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000494:pharmacology; D005411:Flame Retardants; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects; D012733:Sex Differentiation; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000494:pharmacology
D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D005411:Flame Retardants; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical