Comparative vitellogenic responses in three teleost species: extrapolation to in situ field studies

Induction of vitellogenin (VTG) was compared among three teleostean species to determine their relative sensitivity of exposure to 17β-estradiol (E2). Japanese medaka ( Oryzias latipes), sunshine bass ( Morone saxatalis× Morone chrysops) and channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus) were exposed to aqueous concentrations of E2 ranging from 10 to 100,000 ng/l for 21 days. Respective EC 50 values for plasma VTG detected by western blot in medaka, catfish and bass were 200, 170 and 1560 ng E2/l. Since these EC 50 values are based on VTG induction curves calculated relative to control values, they indicate differences in species’ sensitivity to E2 exposure. Catfish and bass VTG responses obtained in laboratory exposures were compared to VTG responses previously observed with 21-day wastewater treatment plant effluent exposures. Plasma VTG induction in effluent-exposed fish ranged from 14 to 82% above reference values depending on species. Extrapolation of field responses with laboratory-exposed fish indicate catfish and bass were exposed to the equivalent of 27–240 ng E2/l in sewage effluent.