Vitellogenin in African Sharptooth Catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Purification, Characterization, and Elisa Development
Loading...
Date
2009-01-30
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Vitellogenin (Vtg) induction in African sharptooth catfish
(Clarias gariepinus) was assessed in order to develop a method for
monitoring estrogenic pollution in African freshwater systems.
Clarias gariepinus Vtg (Cg-Vtg) was purified from serum
obtained from 17a-ethynylestradiol (EE2)-exposed fish and polyclonal
antibodies against Cg-Vtg were raised. An enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed and the induction
and kinetics of Vtg were assessed in male fish in three different
exposure trials using both natural estrogen (17a-estradiol [E2])
and synthetic EE2. Concentrations of EE2 in water and levels of
EE2 conjugates in bile were quantified by liquid chromatography–
mass spectrometry (LC-MS). In addition, co-administration of E2
and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were studied. Vtg was induced in all
exposure trials and the maximum induction was observed 1 wk
after exposure. Exposure of male C. gariepinus to 1.4, 2.7, and
13.9 mg/ml EE2 induced Vtg synthesis at all concentrations. BaP
did not influence the Vtg kinetics. However, an increased rate of
biliary excretion of EE2 was observed when BaP was additionally
administered. In conclusion, Vtg is induced in male C. gariepinus
after exposure to both E2 and EE2, rendering it a suitable biomarker
for endocrine-disrupting chemicals in African freshwater
systems.
Description
Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part A 2009, 72: 173–183
Keywords
African Sharptooth Catfish, Clarias gariepinus, Elisa Development, African freshwater systems, Vitellogenin induction, Estrogenic pollution