E. Willingham et al., Embryonic treatment with xenobiotics disrupts steroid hormone profiles in hatchling red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans), ENVIR H PER, 108(4), 2000, pp. 329-332
Many compounds in the environment capable of acting as endocrine disruptors
have been assayed for their developmental effects on morphogenesis; howeve
r, few studies have addressed how such xenobiotics affect physiology. In th
e current study we examine the effects of three endocrine-disrupting compou
nds, chlordane, trans-nonachlor, and the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mix
ture Aroclor 1242, on the steroid hormone concentrations of red-eared slide
r turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) hatchlings treated in ovo. Basal stero
id concentrations and steroid concentrations in response to follicle-stimul
ating hormone were examined in both male and female turtles treated with ea
ch of the three compounds. Treated male turtles exposed to Aroclor 1242 or
chlordane exhibited significantly lower testosterone concentrations than co
ntrols, whereas chlordane-treated females had significantly lower progester
one, testosterone, and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone concentrations relative
to controls. The effects of these endocrine disruptors extend beyond embryo
nic development, altering sex-steroid physiology in exposed animals.