Publication Abstract

Vitellogenesis as a biomarker ofreproductive disruption by xenobiotics

D.E. Kime, J.P. Nash and A.P. Scott

There isincreasing evidence that many xenobiotic chemicals can reduce the reproductive capacity offish through disruption of the endocrine system. Hepatic stimulation of vitellogenesis inmale and juvenile fish provides a sensitive indication of exposure to environmentaloestrogens and oestrogenic chemicals. Moreover, perturbations of female vitellogeninlevels can provide a useful marker of dysfunction caused by endocrine disruption at manysites in the reproductive axis. Vitellogenesis can therefore provide a useful indicator ofendocrine disruption by xenobiotics. Both inhibition and stimulation of vitellogenesis canhave direct repercussions on the reproductive capacity of fish. An important caveat ininterpreting the results of such studies is that they must be related to other componentsin the reproductive system which may be more sensitive to disruption and have greaterconsequences for reproductive success.

Reference:

D.E. Kime, J.P. Nash and A.P. Scott, 1999. Vitellogenesis as a biomarker of reproductivedisruption by xenobiotics. Aquaculture, 177: 345-352.