Impacts of herbicide pendimethalin on sex steroid level, plasma vitellogenin concentration and aromatase activity in teleost Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus)

Publication date: Available online 3 January 2020Source: Environmental Toxicology and PharmacologyAuthor(s): Priyanka Gupta, Sushant Kumar VermaAbstractPendimethalin (PM) is a selective herbicide, widely present in aquatic environment. It causes detrimental effects in fishes, but little is known regarding its reproductive toxicity. The present study was carried out in Clarias batrachus exposed to sub lethal concentrations of PM for 30, 45 and 60 days. Male fish showed a significant increase in plasma 17-βestradiol (E2) however plasma E2 in females was not affected. Plasma testosterone levels were significantly decreased in both sexes. In male plasma vitellogenin (VTG) and gonadal aromatase activity was increased irrespective of herbicide concentration and exposure duration. In females concentration and time dependent reduction in plasma VTG but no significant change in the gonadal aromatase activity were observed. Results indicated that PM act as endocrine disruptor but act differentially in male and female fishes and plasma E2, T and VTG levels and aromatase activity can be considered as reliable biomarkers for PM toxicity in fishes.

Source: Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology - January 5, 2020 Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research