Publication Abstract

Surveys of plasma vitellogenin and intersex in male flounder (Platichthys flesus) as measures of endocrine disruption by estrogenic contamination in United Kingdom estuaries: Temporal trends 1996 - 2001

Surveys of plasma vitellogenin and intersex in male flounder (Platichthys flesus) as measures of endocrine disruption by estrogenic contamination in United Kingdom estuaries: Temporal trends 1996 - 2001

M.F. Kirby, Y.T.Allen, R.A. Dyer, S.W. Feist, I. Katsiadaki, P. Matthiessen, A.P. Scott, A. Smith, G. Stentiford, J.E. Thain, K.V. Thomas L. Tolhurst and M.J. Waldock

Plasma vitellogenin concentrations and the presence of the ovotestis intersex condition in male flounder (Platichthys flesus) have been analysed in several UK estuaries since 1996 as part of the endocrine disruption in the marine environment (EDMAR) and earlier programmes. This data has been assessed with respect to the temporal trends of these biomarkers at a number of estuaries. The data confirmed that plasma VTG concentrations in male flounder remain significantly elevated in several UK estuaries (e.g. Tees, Mersey and Tyne). However, analysis of the time series data suggests that oestrogenic contamination, as measured by plasma VTG, have generally reduced in the Tyne and Mersey. Shorter time series datasets from the Forth and Clyde also suggest a reduction those estuaries. Trends associated with specific point sources of oestrogenic contamination show different patterns. Plasma VTG levels in male flounder captured near to the Howdon sewage treatment outfall (Tyne) have shown a steady decline to near baseline levels in 2001 while the data from fish taken adjacent to the Dabholm Gut discharge in the Tees have shown little evidence of a decline. The occurrence of the ovotestis intersex condition has continued to be detected at a low but consistent level with the majority of cases noted in specimens from the Tyne and Mersey estuaries. The dataset does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about any temporal trends assocaited with this condition.

Reference:

M.F. Kirby, Y.T.Allen, R.A. Dyer, S.W. Feist, I. Katsiadaki, P. Matthiessen, A.P. Scott, A. Smith, G. Stentiford, J.E. Thain, K.V. Thomas L. Tolhurst and M.J. Waldock (2004) Surveys of plasma vitellogenin and intersex in male flounder (Platichthys flesus) as measures of endocrine disruption by estrogenic contamination in United Kingdom estuaries: Temporal trends 1996 - 2001. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 23: 748-758

M.F. Kirby*, Y.T.Allen*, R.A. Dyer*, S.W. Feist*, I. Katsiadaki*, P. Matthiessen*, A.P. Scott*, A. Smith*, G. Stentiford*, J.E. Thain*, K.V. Thomas*, L. Tolhurst* and M.J. Waldock*

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 23: 748-758