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Published on: October 31, 2019
Alligators, contaminants and steroid hormones
Louis J Guillette1, Thea M Edwards, Brandon C Moore
1Department of Zoology, 223 Bartram Hall, Box 118525, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611-8525, USA. ljg@zoo.ufl.edu
Environmental Sciences : an International Journal of Environmental Physiology and Toxicology
|November 22, 2007
Summary
Environmental pollutants disrupt steroid hormone production in alligators. Exposure during development alters gene expression, metabolism, and gonadal steroidogenesis, impacting reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Environmental toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Steroids are vital for vertebrate reproduction.
- Environmental pollutants can interfere with steroidogenesis and signaling.
- Steroid production mechanisms may vary across species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of environmental contaminants on steroid hormone profiles in American alligators.
- To understand the mechanisms underlying contaminant-induced alterations in steroidogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Assessed steroid hormone profiles in American alligators exposed to agricultural and storm water runoff contaminants.
- Investigated alterations in gene expression, hepatic biotransformation, and gonadal steroidogenesis.
Main Results:
- Embryonic or juvenile exposure to contaminant mixtures altered steroid hormone profiles.
- Observed changes in plasma steroid concentrations were linked to altered gene expression, hepatic metabolism, and gonadal steroidogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Complex environmental contaminant mixtures disrupt steroidogenesis in American alligators.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of endocrine disruption on reproduction.
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