In vivo comparison of xenoestrogens using rainbow trout vitellogenin induction as a screening system

Vitellogenin induction in rainbow trout after intraperitoneal injection of test compounds was investigated. Vitellogenin quantification was performed by a direct sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) based on pol yclonal, affinity purified antibodies. The system was used as a short-term in vivo screen for estrogenicity and as a tool for establishing the priorit y of compounds to be tested by water exposure of fish. Representatives from the group of xenoestrogens, bisphenols, phthalates, and pesticides were te sted. The relative potency order bisphenol A > bisphenol A dimethacrylate, o,p'-DDT > butylbenzylphthalate was established, while no significant vitel logenin response was seen with dibutylphthalate, tetrabromobisphenol A, and methoxychlor. Of these, tetrabromobisphenol A has not previously been test ed for estrogenicity in vivo. Earlier findings of diminished estrogenic act ivity of ortho-substituted compounds was extended to bisphenols since ortho -bromination of bisphenol A abolished the activity of the parent molecule.