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Gonadal differentiation in frogs exposed to estrogenic and antiestrogenic compounds
Author(s) -
Mackenzie Constanze A.,
Berrill Michael,
Metcalfe Chris,
Pauli Bruce D.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1897/02-173
Subject(s) - biology , feminization (sociology) , medicine , sexual differentiation , endocrinology , vitellogenesis , gonad , development of the gonads , amphibian , ovary , aromatase , germ cell , endocrine system , oocyte , embryo , hormone , ecology , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , social science , biochemistry , genetics , cancer , sociology , breast cancer
Exposure of amphibians to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) may alter differentiationof gonads, especially when exposures begin during early life stages. Gonadal differentiation was observed in leopard frogs ( Rana pipiens ) and wood frogs ( Rana sylvatica ) exposed as tadpoles to estrogenic (estradiol, ethinylestradiol, nonylphenol) and antiestrogenic compounds (an aromatase inhibitor, flavone, and an antiestrogen, ICI 182780). Exposure to all compounds at μg/L concentrations altered gonadal differentiation in some animals by inducing either complete feminization or an intersex condition, and altered testicular tubule morphology, increased germ cell maturation (vitellogenesis), and oocyte atresia. Comparisons between the two species indicate that R. pipiens are more susceptible to sex reversal and development of intersex gonads. However, R. sylvatica also showed alterations to testicular morphology, germ cell maturation, and ooctye atresia. These laboratory results indicate that amphibians could be susceptible to altered gonadal differentiation and development when exposed to estrogenic and antiestrogenic compounds in aquatic environments, such as those impacted by agricultural, industrial, and municipal runoff.