Reproductive endocrine function in female atlantic croaker exposed to pollutants

Abstract

To examine whether xenobiotics impair teleost reproduction by altering reproductive endocrine function, steroid hormone secretion and ovarian growth were investigated in female Atlantic croaker ( Micropogonias undulatus) after chronic oral administration with sublethal doses of three classes of reproductive toxins (lead, benzo[ a]pyrene and Aroclor 1254). All the sublethal treatments significantly impaired ovarian growth as assessed by the gonadosomatic index. Reduced ovarian growth was accompanied by a significant decline in circulating 17β-estradiol levels in fish exposed to lead and benzo[ a]pyrene. All three toxicants significantly decreased plasma testosterone levels. However, the steroidogenic capacity of ovarian tissue in vitro was not altered by xenobiotic exposure. The data suggest that the decreased ovarian growth in croaker after pollutant exposure may be a consequence of the decline in plasma 17β-estradiol levels. Further, this decrease in circulating levels of gonadal steroids does not appear to be caused by a direct effect of the chemicals on ovarian steroid synthesis.