Anti-estrogen prevents xenoestrogen-induced testicular pathology of eelpout (Zoarces viviparus)
Rasmussen, T.H.; Teh, S.J.; Bjerregaard, P.; Korsgaard, B. (2005). Anti-estrogen prevents xenoestrogen-induced testicular pathology of eelpout (Zoarces viviparus). Aquat. Toxicol. 72(3): 177-194. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2004.12.003
In: Aquatic Toxicology. Elsevier Science: Tokyo; New York; London; Amsterdam. ISSN 0166-445X; e-ISSN 1879-1514, more
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| Keywords |
Biology > Histology
Cells > Sertoli cells
Fauna > Aquatic organisms > Aquatic animals > Fish
Secretory organs > Glands > Endocrine glands > Animal reproductive organs > Gonads > Testes
Vitellogenesis
Zoarces viviparus (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
Marine/Coastal |
| Author keywords |
alkylphenol; endocrine disruption; estrogen; fish; histology;octylphenol; sertoli cell; testis; vitellogenin |
| Authors | | Top |
- Rasmussen, T.H.
- Teh, S.J.
- Bjerregaard, P.
- Korsgaard, B.
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| Abstract |
Estrogenic alkylphenols have been shown to affect the reproductive system of male fish causing induction of vitellogenin synthesis and altered testis structure. However, it is still unknown whether the histopathological effects on the testes is mediated by the estrogen receptor or if it represent general toxicopathological effects.In the present study, the effects of different concentrations of the estrogenic chemical 4-tert-octylphenol on vitellogenin (Vtg) synthesis and testicular structure were investigated in the eelpouZoarces viviparu during spermatogenesis. Adult male eelpout were exposed to 4-tOP (nominal concentrations: 10, 50 or 100 μg l−1) or 17β-estradiol (E2; 0.5 μg l−1) in a continuous flow-through system for 3 weeks. A group of fish were exposed to 4-tOP (50 μg -1, i.p.). The Vtg concentration in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The testicular structure was examined by light microscopy and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (y-GTP) activity was measured in the testes. The testicular localization of y-GTP was analysed by enzyme histochemistry. A marked increase in the plasma Vtg concentration was observed after exposure to the actual concentration of 35 μg l−1 4-tOP (nominal concentration, 50 μg −1), 63 μg l−1 4-tOP (nominal concentration, 100 μg l−1) or E2. Co-treatment with ZM 189,154 totally abolished the 4-tOP-dependent induction of Vtg synthesis. Exposure to 4-tOP or E2 caused a marked reduction in the testis mass and severely affected the testicular development and structure including the Sertoli cells (based on histology and y-GTP activity), resulting in impairment of spermatogenesis and degeneration of lobular structures. Other cellular abnormalities such as accumulations of yellowish-brown pigmented cells and increased interstitial fibrosis in the testes was also observed in the exposed fish. In the groups exposed to the nominal concentrations of 50 or 100 μg l−1 all fish had severely affected testes, while both normal, moderately and severely affected testes were found in the group exposed to the nominal concentration of 10 μg l−1. Co-treatment with ZM 189,154 abolished part of these 4-tOP-induced effects on the testicular growth and histological structure. The study demonstrates that an anti-estrogen can abolish effects on the testis caused by estrogenic chemicals, providing evidence that some of the effects are mediated by the estrogen receptor. |
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