Impairments of Endocrine Functions: Case Studies - Ecological Biomarkers: Indicators of Ecotoxicological Effects - page 219

9
Impairme nts of Endocrine Functions: Case Studies
Matthew J. Gubbins, Martial Huet, Reinier M. Mann, and Christophe Minier
CONTENTS
9.1 Imposex ............................................................................................................................... 219
9.1.1 Inputs of Tributyltin into Marine Waters ........................................................... 219
9.1.2 Imposex: A Bioindicator Specific for TBT Contamination ............................... 220
9.1.2.1 TBT Is Responsible for Masculinization of Female Gastropods ...... 220
9.1.2.2 Relation between Imposex Development and TBT
Contamination Levels ............................................................................ 220
9.1.2.3 Do Any Other Factors Influence Imposex Development?................. 221
9.1.3 Biological Mechanisms for Imposex Development .......................................... 222
9.1.4 Temporal Evolution of TBT Contamination ....................................................... 223
9.1.4.1 Case Study: Brest Harbor ....................................................................... 223
9.1.4.2 Case Study: Sullom Voe, Shetland ........................................................ 225
9.1.5 Ecological Consequences ...................................................................................... 226
9.2 Occurrence and Effects of Estrogenic and Antiandrogenic Compounds in
Seine Estuary ...................................................................................................................... 230
9.2.1 Seine Estuary: A Heavily Modified Environment ............................................ 230
9.2.2 Estrogenic and Antiandrogenic Contamination of Seine Estuary ................. 230
9.2.3 Xenoestrogen Accumulation in Mussel Tissues ................................................ 232
9.2.4 Accumulation and Molecular Effects of Estrogens or Antiandrogens in Fish .....234
9.2.5 Fish Feminization and Other Consequences ..................................................... 235
9.2.6 Long-Term Consequences ..................................................................................... 236
9.3 Biomarkers of Endocrine Disruption in Amphibians .................................................. 237
9.3.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 237
9.3.2 Ambiguous Gender and Gonadal Histology ..................................................... 237
9.3.3 Looking beyond the Gonad .................................................................................. 242
9.3.4 Biomarkers of Secondary Sex Characteristics ................................................... 242
9.3.5 Biomarkers of a Mechanism for Emasculation/Feminization ........................ 243
9.3.6 Conclusions on Amphibians ................................................................................ 244
References ..................................................................................................................................... 245
9.1 Imposex
9.1.1 Inputs of Tributyltin into Marine Waters
Tributyltin (TBT), an organometallic molecule, is one of the most potent pesticides ever
introduced into the environment. Its introduction into marine ecosystems is primarily
attributable to its use as the active compound in antifouling paints. Fouling is caused
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