G. Toft et E. Baatrup, Sexual characteristics are altered by 4-tert-octylphenol and 17 beta-estradiol in the adult male guppy (Poecilia reticulata), ECOTOX ENV, 48(1), 2001, pp. 76-84
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are believed to interfere with animal
reproduction, but only few biomarkers above the cellular level have been d
eveloped to assess the. adverse effects of these chemicals. Using the guppy
(Poecilia reticulata) as a model organism, studies have been undertaken wi
th the object of comparing biomarker responses to EDCs at increasing levels
of biological complexity. Short-term exposure to the xenoestrogen 4-tert-o
ctylphenol and the natural estrogen 17 beta -estradiol (E2) changed importa
nt sexual characteristics in the adult male guppy. Both compounds increased
the number of sperm cells in the ejaculates, reduced the area and color in
tensity of the sexually attractive orange spots, and inhibited testis growt
h. In the case of E2, the effects on sperm count and coloration were still
evident after 3 months of recovery in clean water. Preliminary results on m
ale reproductive capability demonstrated that treated males produced fewer
offspring than untreated fish, indicating an impairment of reproduction its
elf. (C) 2001 Academic Press.