Rapid bioconcentration of steroids in the plasma of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus exposed to waterborne testosterone and 17β-oestradiol

Maunder, R. J.; Matthiessen, P.; Sumpter, J. P.; Pottinger, T. G.. 2007 Rapid bioconcentration of steroids in the plasma of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus exposed to waterborne testosterone and 17β-oestradiol. Journal of Fish Biology, 70 (3). 678-690. 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2006.01303.x

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Abstract/Summary

The relationship over time between the concentrations of two steroids, singly and in combination, in a static exposure system and in the blood of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, held within the exposure system was investigated. Groups of three-spined stickleback were exposed (nominally) to either 1000 ng l1 17β-oestradiol (E2), testosterone (T) or E2 and T in combination at the same concentrations for 6 days. Both water and fish were sampled at intervals and steroid concentrations in both compartments were determined. The plasma steroid time profile revealed a rapid bioconcentration within the first 6 h of exposure. The plasma steroid levels attained at this time point (20–90 ng ml1) were up to 50-fold (E2) and 200-fold (T) greater than the actual levels of steroid measured in the exposure water, while levels in the blood of control fish did not exceed 4 ng ml1. The substantial elevation of plasma steroid levels relative to the concentrations of steroid to which the fish were exposed in the ambient water gives scope for delivery of the steroids to target endocrine tissues at levels far in excess of what might be predicted on the basis of passive branchial uptake alone. These results are discussed in relation to endocrine disruption, and in particular the occurrence of effects in fish exposed to levels of endocrine active substances that are seemingly physiologically irrelevant.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1111/j.1095-8649.2006.01303.x
Programmes:	CEH Programmes pre-2009 publications > Water > WA02 Quantifying processes that link water quality and quantity, biota and physical environment > WA02.3 Physico-chemical processes and effects on freshwater biot
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Parr
ISSN:	0022-1112
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com
Additional Keywords:	17b-oestradiol; bioconcentration; plasma; stickleback; testosterone; uptake.
NORA Subject Terms:	Biology and Microbiology Zoology Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	29 Nov 2007 12:36 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/1337

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