You are here:
IDENTIFICATION OF ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS USING A SHORT-TERM REPRODUCTION ASSAY WITH THE FATHEAD MINNOW
Citation:
Ankley, G T., K M. Jensen, M D. Kahl, J J. Korte, E A. Makynen, AND M. W. Hornung. IDENTIFICATION OF ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS USING A SHORT-TERM REPRODUCTION ASSAY WITH THE FATHEAD MINNOW. Presented at SETAC Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, November 11-15, 2001.
Description:
Tests with small fish have been a recommended of virtually every proposed regulatory program for endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). An ideal test would provide information suitable for determination of whether a chemical has the potential to exert adverse effects via specific modes/mechanisms of action (MOA) of concern, as well as supply dose-response data useful for higher-tier risk assessments (e.g. growth, reproduction). To address these needs, a short-term reproduction assay was developed utilizing reproductively-mature fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) Endpoints evaluated in the assay include those specific for endocrine-related MOA (e.g. plasma vitellogenin and steroid concentrations), and those reflective of general reproductive fitness (e.g. fecundity, fertility, F1 viability). The test has been evaluated using model EDCs with suspected/known MOA, including strong and weak estrogen receptor agonists(estradiol, methoxychlor), androgen receptor agonists (methyltetosterone, trenbolone), androgen receptor antagoniss (vinclozolin, flutamide) ad inhibitors of steroid metabolism (fadrozole). The test has consistently and accurately characterized the different chemicals both with respect to their reproductive toxicity, and through alterations in one or more endpoints reflective of presumed MOA. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency plans to use this assay to help fulfill legislated screening and testing requirements associated with the current EDC regulatory program. This abstract does not necessarily represent USEPA policy.