Abstract
Di-methyl phthalate (DMP), a typical endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), is ubiquitously distributed in aquatic environments; yet studies regarding its impact on gametes and the resulting effects on embryogenesis in marine gastropods are relatively scarce. In this study, the influences of DMP on the gametes and subsequent developmental process of abalone (Haliotis diversicolor supertexta, a representative marine benthic gastropod) were assessed. Newborn abalone eggs and sperm were exposed separately to different DMP concentrations (1, 10 or 100 ppb) for 60 min. At the end-point of exposure, the DMP-treated eggs and sperm were collected for analysis of their ultra-structures, ATPase activities and total lipid levels, and the fertilized gametes (embryos) were collected to monitor related reproductive parameters (fertilization rate, abnormal development rate and hatching success rate). Treatment with DMP did not significantly alter the structure or total lipid content of eggs at any of the doses tested. Hatching failures and morphological abnormalities were only observed with the highest dose of DMP (100 ppb). However, DMP exposure did suppress sperm ATPase activities and affect the morphological character of their mitochondria. DMP-treated sperm exhibited dose-dependent decreases in fertilization efficiency, morphogenesis and hatchability. Relatively obvious toxicological effects were observed when both sperm and eggs were exposed to DMP. Furthermore, RT-PCR results indicate that treatment of gametes with DMP changed the expression patterns of physiologically-regulated genes (cyp3a, 17β-HSD-11 and 17β-HSD-12) in subsequent embryogenesis. Taken together, this study proofed that pre-fertilization exposure of abalone eggs, sperm or both to DMP adversely affects the fertilization process and subsequent embryogenesis.
Highlights
Over the past few decades the world’s aquatic environments have been severely impacted by various contaminants from industry, agriculture, urban runoff and other sources
In the last two decades, bio-resources have reportedly declined in both number and quality, affects that could be attributed to adverse effects on the reproduction and development of aquatic animals caused by phthalate esters (PAEs) contamination [8]
During the entire experimental period, there were no significant differences between acetone and seawater groups
Summary
Over the past few decades the world’s aquatic environments have been severely impacted by various contaminants from industry, agriculture, urban runoff and other sources. These contaminants can affect all levels of biological organization, from individuals to entire ecosystems [1,2]. Decreases in biomass and biodiversity have occurred [3,4] Among these contaminants, phthalate esters (PAEs) compose one of the most persistent and widespread groups of xenobiotics in the marine ecosystem [5]. In the last two decades, bio-resources have reportedly declined in both number and quality, affects that could be attributed to adverse effects on the reproduction and development of aquatic animals caused by PAEs contamination [8]
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