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(T/EH071) Inhibition of larval development in the marine copepod Acartia tonsa by specifically acting compounds. Wollenberger, Leah1, Andersen, Henrik2, Halling-Sørensen, Bent2, Kusk, K. Ole1, 1 2 ABSTRACT- Invertebrates account for over 95% of the known animal species, but only little is known about the impact of xenobiotics with a specific mode of action, e.g. endocrine disrupting chemicals. A rapid and inexpensive biotest for toxic effects on growth and development with the calanoid copepod Acartia tonsa has been developed at our laboratory. The test is based on the easily detectable morphological change from the last nauplius to the first copepodit stage connecting to the sixth molt during copepod larval development. The endpoint of this test, the larval development rate, has previously been described to be a highly sensitive endpoint in toxicity testing. Both molting and metamorphosis in crustacean are regulated by ecdysteroids. Moreover, peptides similar to the juvenile hormones known from insects presumably control metamorphosis. The present study investigates acutely toxic as well as inhibitory effects on larval development of a selection of environmentally present compounds known to interact either with the vertebrate steroid hormone system or with the hormonal regulation in invertebrates. The tested substances were: Diethylstilbestrol, p,p-DDE; Fenoxycarb; Methoprene; and Vinclozolin. Furthermore, the vertebrate anti-androgen cypreterone acetate, the anti-estrogen ICI and the insect molt hormone 20-Hydroxyecdysone were tested. Key words: crustacea, specific toxicity, endocrine disruption, sublethal |
