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What is Normal? A Characterization of the Values and Variabilty in Reproductive Endpoints of the Fathead Minnow, Pimephales promelas
Citation:
WATANABE, K. H., K. M. JENSEN, E. F. ORLANDO, AND G. T. ANKLEY. What is Normal? A Characterization of the Values and Variabilty in Reproductive Endpoints of the Fathead Minnow, Pimephales promelas. COMPARATIVE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, 146(3):348-356, (2007).
Impact/Purpose:
To characterize the reproductive endpoints of fathead minnows
Description:
Jensen et al. investigated aspects of the normal reproductive biology of the fathead minnow (FHM, P. promelas), and subsequent studies have generated a large amount of additional reproductive data for endpoints such as plasma steroid hormone and vitellogenin concentrations, spawn interval, and secondary sex characteristics (i.e., nuptial tubercle score and fat pad weight). These data were analyzed and fitted with statistical distributions to improve understanding of the variability in normal, unexposed, adult male (n=154) and female (n=186) FHM. Summary statistics for most endpoints were consistent with results from other more limited studies of FHMs. Male fat pad weight, and in both sexes gonad and liver weights were found to be proportional to body weight. Multiple statistical distributions were found to characterize each endpoint with the exception of spawn interval. Based on one of the largest datasets ever compiled for controlled studies, results presented herein provide a robust point of reference for the quantitative assessment of reproductive processes in the fathead minnow. A power analysis (single factor experimental design) identified female plasma vitellogenin concentration and male nuptial tubercle score index as sensitive endpoints requiring comparatively few samples to detect a certain level of effect. Based on one of the largest datasets ever compiled for controlled studies, results from this study provide baseline information suitable for development of a systems model for the HPG axis.