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A short-term study investigating the estrogenic potency of diethylstilbesterol in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas)
Citation:
Adedeji, O., E. Durhan, M. Kahl, K. Jensen, C. LaLone, L. Makynen, L. Thomas, Dan Villeneuve, AND G. Ankley. A short-term study investigating the estrogenic potency of diethylstilbesterol in the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY. American Chemical Society, Washington, DC, 46(14):7826-7835, (2012).
Impact/Purpose:
Overall, our studies show that DES causes a range of estrogenic responses in fish at water concentrations comparable to those reported in the environment, and that in vivo potency of the estrogen is on par with that of the better-studied estrogenic contaminant 17alpha-ethinylestradiol.
Description:
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a synthetic estrogen that has been banned for use in humans, but still is employed in livestock and aquaculture operations in some parts of the world. Detectable concentrations of DES in effluent and surface waters have been reported to range from slightly below 1 to greater than 10 ng/L. Little is known, however, concerning the toxicological potency of DES in fish. Overall, our studies show that DES causes a range of estrogenic responses in fish at water concentrations comparable to those reported in the environment, and that in vivo potency of the estrogen is on par with that of the better-studied estrogenic contaminant 17alpha-ethinylestradiol.