Seasonal variation and estradiol-dependent elevation of Thames estuary eel Anguilla anguilla plasma vitellogenin levels and comparisons with other United Kingdom estuaries.

摘要: Abstract Eel Anguilla anguilla plasma vitellogenin was investigated as a biomarker of exposure to environmental compounds with estrogenic activity, along the tidal course Thames Estuary, UK. A. chosen sentinel species because their wide distribution, robustness in field and laboratory studies also they have characterised normal ‘intersex’ condition where gonad contains both developing male female gonadal cells termed Syrski organ. Following 17β-estradiol (intraperitoneal injection), protein (approx. 211 kDa apparent molecular weight) detected by monoclonal antibodies striped bass ( Morone saxatilis ). Western dot blot analyses were developed isolated from 17β-estradiol-treated fish calibrate quantification blots image analysis. The limits sensitivity for 100 10 ng vitellogenin/ml, respectively. Levels estuary samples below detection but not blot, showed no statistically significant site-specific (10 sites) seasonal-specific (May, August, November) differences. Values observed be low, between 11 165 ng/ml, compared 17–50 mg/ml eels. Similar low levels determined sampled Tyne, Wear, Tees or Humber estuaries, Weston canal Liverpool, mean varying 44 82 ng/ml. These consistent known biology eel. Immature females, syrski organs, reported lower smaller variation concentrations whereas highest above 45 cm fish. results indicate inter-species other published undertaken same estuaries.