Publication Abstract

Kinetics of vitellogenin protein and mRNA induction and depuration in fish following laboratory and environmental exposure to oestrogens

Kinetics of vitellogenin protein and mRNA induction and depuration in fish following laboratory and environmental exposure to oestrogens

J.A. Craft, M. Brown, K. Dempsey, J. Francey, M. Kirby*, A.P. Scott*, I. Katsiadaki, C.D. Robinson, I.M. Davies, P. Bradac and C.F. Moffat

Plaice, flounder and sand goby were exposed to ethynylestradiol (EE2) for 21 days and then followed for up to 31 days after removal of the oestrogen. Plasma VTG protein and hepatic mRNA were determined in groups of fish sampled during the induction and post-exposure phases. mRNA increased slightly earlier than serum protein, but both reached maxima by 21 days. In contrast, mRNA decayed much more rapidly than protein after EE2 exposure was terminated (typical values t_(1/2) mRNA 3 days, protein 15-30 days). VTG mRNA and protein thus measure different temporal events and this is illustrated by field data of male flounder in which both parameters have been determined. Few fish show co-ordinate increased mRNA and protein but rather more fish have increased protein. Low level increases of mRNA (5 X) is observed in some fish without increased protein and this may represent polymorphic differences between individual fish.

Reference:

J.A. Craft, M. Brown, K. Dempsey, J. Francey, M. Kirby, A.P. Scott, I. Katsiadaki, C.D. Robinson, I.M. Davies, P. Bradac and C.F. Moffat (2004) Kinetics of Vitellogenin Protein and mRNA Induction and Depuration In Fish Following Laboratory and Environmental Exposure to Oestrogens. Marine Environmental Research, 58: 419-423

J.A. Craft, M. Brown, K. Dempsey, J. Francey, M. Kirby*, A.P. Scott*, I. Katsiadaki*, C.D. Robinson, I.M. Davies, P. Bradac and C.F. Moffat

Marine Environmental Research, 58: 419-423