Grantee Research Project Results
Fitness Consequences of Developmental Exposure to Xenoestrogens in the Cliff Swallow
EPA Grant Number: U915733Title: Fitness Consequences of Developmental Exposure to Xenoestrogens in the Cliff Swallow
Investigators: Gibert, Peter L.
Institution: University of California - Davis
EPA Project Officer: Lee, Sonja
Project Period: September 1, 2000 through September 1, 2003
Project Amount: $80,413
RFA: STAR Graduate Fellowships (2000) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Fellowship - Toxicology , Academic Fellowships , Human Health
Objective:
The objective of this research project is to extend current laboratory studies on the effects of developmental endocrine disruption to an evaluation of the potential for population-level consequences in free-living songbirds exposed to common estrogenic agricultural chemicals.
Approach:
Initial surveys of insect residues will establish environmentally realistic exposure levels of xenoestrogens. Analysis for estrogenic compounds, principally alkylphenol polyethoxylates and their degradation products, will be performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nestlings will be orally dosed with estradiol and examined histologically to determine dose response and sensitivities relative to zebra finches. Once appropriate doses and responses have been determined, swallows will be dosed and banded in the nest, then allowed to fledge along with marked controls. Return rates, reproductive success, and eggshell quality will be monitored in subsequent years to determine the fitness consequences of developmental exposure to xenoestrogens.
Expected Results:
This study is expected to result in an evaluation of the exposure hazards of EDCs to a free-living population.
Supplemental Keywords:
cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota, risk assessment, exposure, ecological effects, bioavailability, dose-response, population effects, octylphenol, nonylphenol, alkylphenols, alkylphenol polyethoxylates, APEOs, endocrine disruptors, EDCs, xenoestrogen., RFA, Health, Scientific Discipline, Environmental Chemistry, Endocrine Disruptors - Environmental Exposure & Risk, endocrine disruptors, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Endocrine Disruptors - Human Health, avian development, Cliff Swallow, bioavailability, EDCs, endocrine disrupting chemicals, exposure studies, developmental biology, animal models, xenoestrogen, agrochemicalsProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.