Effects of 17α-ethynylestradiol in a partial life-cycle test with zebrafish (Danio rerio): effects on growth, gonads and female reproductive success

In this study, the impact of an exposure of zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio) until 3 months post fertilization to 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2: 0; 0,1; 1; 10; 25 ng/l) was evaluated for growth and development, gonad development and body vitellogenin (VTG) content. After a recovery period of 5 months, the female reproductive success was evaluated. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in total body length, body weight, whole body Ca and P content and an increase in morphological abnormalities for fish exposed to 25 ng/l EE2 as a function of exposure time. An increase in total body VTG content was observed for fish exposed for a period of 3 months down to levels of 1 ng/l EE2. At the age of 3 months, a dose-dependent increase of the number of fish with no macroscopic recognizable gonads was observed (up to 100% at 25 ng/l EE2). After a recovery period on clean tap water for 5 months, all fish had developed either ovaries or testis with a gonadosomatic index not different from control fish and the sex ratio was similar in EE2 treatment groups and controls. Nevertheless, a reduced number of spawning females and a reduced egg production were found for the female fish exposed to 10 or 25 ng/l EE2 for 3 months and which were allowed to recover for 5 months. Although the underlying mechanism could not be elucidated, these findings did indicate that the reproduction potential of fish populations might be disturbed by a long-term exposure to EE2 (≥10 ng/l) from fertilization until sexual maturity.