Seasonal testosterone UDP-glucuronosyltransferase activity and biliary steroids in Eurasian perch: Response to leachate exposure

In previous studies there was evidence of endocrine disruption in fish in waterways contaminated with leachate from a Swedish landfill. Symptoms included fewer sexually mature (SM) female perch (Perca fluviatilis), distinct sores, reduced gonadosomatic index, and decreased plasma androgen levels. Based on previous findings it was hypothesized that the decrease in plasma androgen concentrations could have been caused by increased steroid excretion. Therefore, testosterone UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UDPGT) activity and biliary steroids were measured in SM and sexually immature (SIM) female perch during one reproductive cycle. UDPGT activity in exposed fish did not differ from reference fish and was similar in both SM and SIM female perch. Since androgen levels in SIM fish usually are much lower than in SM fish, this indicates expression of testosterone UDPGT irrespective of substrate availability. There was no general increase in biliary steroids in exposed female perch. Biliary steroid levels correlated with corresponding plasma steroid levels. In conclusion, the reduced androgen levels in exposed female perch are most likely not caused by increased steroid excretion.