Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Reproducible dsRNA Microinjection and Oviposition Bioassay in Mosquitoes and House Flies
Published on: November 8, 2018
Quantification of vitellogenin mRNA induction in mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) by reverse transcription real-time
F D L Leusch1, M R Van den Heuvel, A D Laurie
1Forest Research, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Abstract:
A method to quantify induction of vitellogenin (Vtg) mRNA in adult male mosquitofish was developed. Male mosquitofish were exposed to 0, 1, 20 and 250 ng l(-1) 17beta-oestradiol (E(2)) for 4 and 8 days in static exposures, and liver Vtg mRNA and 18S rRNA expression were quantified in duplex RT-PCR. Liver 18S rRNA expression was very consistent among individuals, and there was a highly significant increase in Vtg mRNA expression after exposure of mosquitofish for just 4 days at 250 ng l(-1) E(2). Lower doses did not induce Vtg mRNA expression even at 4 or 8 days. This method could be used as a rapid test to detect exposure of mosquitofish to oestrogenic chemicals. Further work is needed to determine if increased Vtg mRNA levels in male mosquitofish induce Vtg synthesis, and to determine the usefulness of the method in field sampling.
