PT07 Chemical and Biological Analysis of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds
Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM - Tuesday
(PT127) Endocrine Disruption in Southern Coastal California Flatfish.
Vidal, D. E.1, Armstrong, J. 2, Baker, M.3, Gully, J. 4, Irwin, M.5, Kelley, K. M. 6, D. Montagne, D. 4, Reyes, J. 6, Schlenk, D. 5, Bay , S. M. 1, 1 Southern California Coastal Water Research Project, Westminster, CA, USA2 Orange County Sanitation District, Fountain Valley, CA, USA3 University of California at San Diego, La Joya, CA, USA4 Los Angeles County Sanitation District, Whitter, CA, USA5 University of California at Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA6 California State University at Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
ABSTRACT- The presence of some anthropogenic contaminants in the environment has been shown to interfere with biological processes controlled by hormones, such as sex determination or growth. Recent studies indicate that endocrine disruption may be occurring in southern California marine fish living near municipal wastewater outfalls in Orange County, on the Palos Verdes shelf, and in Santa Monica Bay (CA). To determine the extent of endocrine disruption in the Southern California Bight (SBC), three different flatfish species collected from different locales within the SCB are being studied through our collaborative efforts. This is a multi-year project that intends to develop rapid screening and quantitative assay methods for measuring the occurrence of endocrine disruption and effects in marine flatfish. A microarray is being developed to screen for the altered regulation of genes associated with endocrine activity. Additional assay methods are being utilized to validate the microarray results, including a vitellogenin ELISA, gonad histology and several immunoassays for endocrine factors (e.g., sex & cortical steroids and growth factors). Our progress to date will be discussed in terms of how this information is leading to a new understanding of the occurrence and magnitude of endocrine disruption in SCB fish from reference locations and areas proximal to municipal wastewater discharges.
Key words: Marine Fish, Endocrine Disruption, Southern California, Contamination