Comparison of steroidogenic gene expression in mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) testis tissue following exposure to aromatizable or non-aromatizable androgens.

摘要: Abstract Androgens are a recognized class of endocrine disrupting compounds with the ability to impact reproductive status in aquatic organisms. The current study utilized vitro exposure mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) testis tissue either aromatizable androgen 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) or non-aromatizable 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) over course 24 h determine if there were differential effects on steroidogenic gene expression. Testis was exposed concentrations 10−12 M, 10−9 M and 10−6 M for 6, 12, 18 24 h, after which suite genes, including acute regulatory protein, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βhsd) cytochrome P450 17A1 (cyp17a1), quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Both androgens affected expression, most alterations occurring at 24-hour time point. highest fold-change, shortest interval expression alteration, 3βhsd both androgens. Potential differences between two model observed increased cyp17a1 11β-hydroxysteroid (11βhsd), only altered DHT levels 11A1 (cyp11a1), upregulated by MT but not DHT. Results from this show interact gonadal level hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis may possess some distinct impacts. These data strengthen research initiatives establishing test systems that allow toxic potential untested chemicals be predicted molecular perturbations.