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Exposure to Estrogenic Chemicals Induces Ectopic Expression of vtg in the Testis of Rainbowfish, Melanotaenia fluviatilis

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Abstract

Vitellogenin (Vtg) is the major egg-yolk precursor protein in oviparous organisms normally synthesised only in mature females. In males and juveniles, the vtg gene, although present, is silent, but its hepatic expression may be activated by xenoestrogens. Surprisingly, its induction and potential consequences in non-hepatic tissues remain unexplored. Here we test the hepatic and testicular response of vtg expression in adult male rainbowfish Melanotaenia fluviatilis exposed to either 1, 3, 5 μg/L 17β-estradiol or 100, 500 μg/L 4-n-nonylphenol for 24–96 h. Significant increase in the expression level of vtg mRNA in the liver and testes of exposed males was observed. The early (24 h), sensitive and reliable detection of the vtg induction using qPCR demonstrates the assay’s robustness to monitor xenobiotic exposure particularly in smaller fish like rainbowfish, an emerging indicator species. Whilst, the ectopic induction of vtg mRNA in testes suggests a more complex Vtg pathway.

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Acknowledgments

AHS received an RMIT University International Scholarship (RUIS). Authors thank anonymous reviewers for providing useful comments on an earlier draft of the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Applied Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora West Campus, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia

    A. H. Shanthanagouda & D. Nugegoda

  2. Centre for Aquatic Pollution Identification and Management (CAPIM), Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia

    D. Nugegoda & K. L. Hassell

  3. Inland Fisheries Service Tasmania, PO Box 575, New Norfolk, TAS, 7140, Australia

    J. G. Patil

  4. National Centre for Marine Conservation and Resource Sustainability, University of Tasmania, Locked Bag 1370, Launceston, 7250, Australia

    J. G. Patil

Authors
  1. A. H. Shanthanagouda
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  2. D. Nugegoda
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  3. K. L. Hassell
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  4. J. G. Patil
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Correspondence to J. G. Patil.

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Shanthanagouda, A.H., Nugegoda, D., Hassell, K.L. et al. Exposure to Estrogenic Chemicals Induces Ectopic Expression of vtg in the Testis of Rainbowfish, Melanotaenia fluviatilis . Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 91, 438–443 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-013-1078-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-013-1078-4

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