HA6 Fluorinated Chemicals
Room 18A/B, Level 4
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Thursday, 13 November 2003
Chair: Hoke, Robert ,
Co-chair: Field, Jennifer ,
(533) Accumulation and Effects of PFOS on the Reproductive Endocrinology of the Fathead Minnow.
Kuehl, D1, Jensen, K1, Kahl, M1, Linnum, A1, Johnson, R1, Flynn, K1, Ankley, G1, 1 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Duluth, MN, USA
ABSTRACT- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a globally-distributed contaminant in fish and wildlife. Comparatively little is known, however, concerning potential adverse effects of PFOS on reproduction and development of fish. There is some indication that PFOS could affect reproductive endocrine function, possibly through alterations in the metabolism/distribution of sex steroids. The goal of this study was to utilize a recently-developed assay with the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), designed to detect specific classes of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, to assess the effects of PFOS on reproductive capacity and early development of the fish. In addition, bioconcentration and tissue distribution of the PFOS was determined so that effects could be related directly to dose. Reproductively-mature adults were exposed to PFOS via the water (0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/l) for 21-d, during which reproductive success was evaluated; exposure of the resultant F1 animals to PFOS continued for an additional 30 d to assess aspects of development. Adults exposed to 1 mg/l began to die within about 2 weeks of test initiation, and there was a concentration-dependent decrease in fecundity of the PFOS-exposed fish. This paper will present results of the reproductive study, including analysis of endocrine-related endpoints in the adult fish (plasma sex steroid and vitellogenin concentrations, gonadal histology), as well as data concerning survival and development of the F1 offspring. Adverse effects will be related to measured concentrations of PFOS in selected tissues of both the adult and larval animals. This abstract does not necessarily reflect EPA policy.
Key words: pfos, fathead minnow, toxicity, bioconcentration