FISH ZONA RADIATA (EGGSHELL) PROTEIN - A SENSITIVE BIOMARKER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ESTROGENS

Environmental estrogens have recently caused great concern because of their ability to mimic natural hormones and influence vital endocrine functions in humans and wildlife. The induction of vitellogenin (Vtg) synthesis by environmental estrogens in viviparous vertebrates has bee n proposed as an effective and sensitive biomarker of estrogenicity. I mmunochemical analysis of plasma from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) ex posed to 4-nonylphenol (NP) or to effluent from oil refinery treatment plant (ORTP), shows that NP and ORTP effluent induces Vtg and zona ra diata proteins (Zrp) in a dose-dependent manner. However, Zrp-beta cro ss-reactive proteins are more responsive than Zrp-alpha, Zrp-gamma, an d Vtg. The sensitivity of Zrp induction points to the zona radiata pro teins as alternate biomarkers of estrogenicity.