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Widespread agricultural contaminant impacts fish reproductive behavior

Date:
April 1, 2015
Source:
Suomen Akatemia (Academy of Finland)
Summary:
A common growth-promoting hormone used worldwide in the cattle industry has been found to affect the sexual behaviors of fish at a very low concentration in waterways – with potentially serious ecological and evolutionary consequences.
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A common growth-promoting hormone used worldwide in the cattle industry has been found to affect the sexual behaviors of fish at a very low concentration in waterways -- with potentially serious ecological and evolutionary consequences.

Researchers from Monash University, Australia in collaboration with researchers from Åbo Akademi University in Finland, have found that the steroid 17β-trenbolone -- used on livestock to increase muscle growth -- alters male reproductive behavior in guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata).

This androgenic growth promoter is part of a group of contaminants called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that enter the environment through a variety of sources -- from discharge of household waste to agricultural run-off and industrial effluent.

Using trenbolone in livestock farming has been banned in the EU. However, in Denmark, researchers have measured high concentrations of it in gym sewage. Trenbolone is popular among bodybuilders. Trenbolone is used for example in the United States, Argentina and Australia.

One of the leading authors Dr Minna Saaristo, Academy of Finland Research Fellow in the Department of Biosciences at Åbo Akademi University, said over the past few decades concern has been mounting over EDCs, and that their contamination of aquatic habitats is a serious environmental problem.

"Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are cause for concern given their capacity to disturb the natural functioning of the endocrine (hormonal) system, often at very low concentrations, with potentially catastrophic effects.

Research until now has focussed primarily on the morphological and physiological effects of EDC exposure. For the first time, our research has shown that exposure to an environmentally realistic concentration of 17β-trenbolone -- just 22 nanograms per litre -- is sufficient to alter male reproductive behavior."

The research shows that exposure of guppy fish to 17β-trenbolone influences the ratio of male courtship (where the female chooses her mate) to forced copulatory behavior (sneaking), whereby the female is inseminated internally from behind and does not choose her mate. The results of her research indicated a marked increase in sneaking behavior.

"By influencing mating success, sexual selection can profoundly affect individual populations and species, with potentially devastating long term evolutionary and ecological impacts," Saaristo said.

With its widespread global distribution precipitated by numerous deliberate and accidental introductions, the small, live-bearing freshwater guppy fish, native to South America, was ideal for investigating the effects of 17β-trenbolone, especially as they are known to inhabit waterways receiving agricultural waste.

Saaristo said that by illustrating the capacity of the agricultural contaminant to alter reproductive behavior, the research demonstrated the possibility of widespread disruption of mating systems in wild populations.

The next step for the researchers will be to look at sperm viability in male guppy fish exposed to 17β-trenbolone.

The research was published in the journal Hormones and Behavior.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Suomen Akatemia (Academy of Finland). Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Michael G. Bertrama, Minna Saaristoa, John B. Baumgartnerc, Christopher P. Johnstonea, Mayumi Allinsond, Graeme Allinsond, Bob B.M. Wonga. Sex in troubled waters: Widespread agricultural contaminant disrupts reproductive behaviour in fish. Hormones and Behavior Behavior, Volume 70, April 2015, Pages 85%u201391

Cite This Page:

Suomen Akatemia (Academy of Finland). "Widespread agricultural contaminant impacts fish reproductive behavior." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 April 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150401084327.htm>.
Suomen Akatemia (Academy of Finland). (2015, April 1). Widespread agricultural contaminant impacts fish reproductive behavior. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 18, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150401084327.htm
Suomen Akatemia (Academy of Finland). "Widespread agricultural contaminant impacts fish reproductive behavior." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150401084327.htm (accessed March 18, 2024).

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