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A Computational Model for Asynchronous Oocyte Growth Dynamics in Spawning Fish
Citation:
LI, Z., DAN VILLENEUVE, K. M. JENSEN, G. ANKLEY, AND K. H. WATANABE. A Computational Model for Asynchronous Oocyte Growth Dynamics in Spawning Fish. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC SCIENCES. NRC Research Press, Ottawa, Canada, 68:1528-1538, (2011).
Impact/Purpose:
Results of this work address a key experimental design question (i.e., whether a group-design is as robust as a paired-design) with regard reproductive performance in the Tier 1, fish short-term reproduction assay developed for the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program.
Description:
This manuscript describes the development of a computational model that simulates a time course of oocyte growth and spawning for asynchronous spawning fish, based upon plasma vitellogenin concentrations and a critical oocyte size for spawning. The model provides a framework that connects a molecular biomarker of exposure endocrine active chemicals with a predicted reproductive effect on individuals and/or populations. This linkage is important, because a greater number of toxicological studies are evaluating changes in molecular-level endpoints, whereas ecological risk assessments focus on endpoints (e.g., fecundity) that affect a population. The oocyte growth dynamics model described in this paper presents a novel algorithm for oocyte growth and spawning that can be adapted and applied to other fish species including both asynchronous and synchronous spawners. Additionally, results of this work address a key experimental design question (i.e., whether a group-design is as robust as a paired-design) with regard reproductive performance in the Tier 1, fish short-term reproduction assay developed for the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program.