Effects of BPS Exposure on Endocrine Functions and Reproduction of Zebrafish

BPS alters hormones at low doses

Effects of Bisphenol S Exposure on Endocrine Functions and Reproduction of Zebrafishs
BPS side-effects observed in zebrafish

In this recent Korean study, adult zebrafish pairs were exposed to Bisphenol-S (BPS) for 3 weeks. A significant decrease of egg production in female fish and a significant decrease of testosterone concentration in male fish were observed.

Abstract

While bisphenol S (BPS) has been frequently detected both in environment and biota, limited information is available on its effects on endocrine system. In the present study, adult zebrafish pairs were exposed to 0.5, 5, and 50 μg/L of BPS for 21 d, and the effects on reproduction, sex hormones, and transcription of the genes belonging to hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis were investigated. Adverse effects on performances of F1 generation were further examined with or without subsequent exposure to BPS. Egg production and the gonadosomatic index in female fish were significantly decreased at ≥0.5 μg/L BPS. Plasma concentrations of 17β-estradiol were significantly increased in both male and female fish. In male fish, however, significant decreases of testosterone concentration were observed along with up-regulation of cyp19a, and down-regulation of cyp17 and 17βhsd transcripts. Parental exposure to BPS resulted in delayed and lesser rates of hatching even when they were hatched in control water. Continuous BPS exposure in F1 embryos resulted in worse hatchability and increased malformation rates compared to those without BPS exposure. Our observations showed that exposure to low level BPS could affect the feedback regulation of HPG axis of zebrafish and impair the hatching and development of its offspring.

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