Use of Vitellogenin as a Biomarker for Ecoestrogen Exposure in Hogchockers (Trinectes maculatus) from the Caloosahatchee and Myakka Rivers
Date of Award
2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Beulig, Alfred
Keywords
Estrogen, Biomarkers, Vitellogenin
Area of Concentration
Biology
Abstract
Ecoestrogens are synthetic and natural compounds capable of mimicking natural estrogens found in an organism. These compounds threaten the health of organisms living in aquatic ecosystems, so it is important to identify the types and sources of ecoestrogens present in the environment. The Caloosahatchee River receives wastewater effluent from multiple sources, while the Myakka River does not receive effluent. We used hogchokers (Trinectes maculatus) as an animal model to determine if ecoestrogens in the rivers were at bioactive concentrations. Hogchokers were collected from the Caloosahatchee (N=24) and Myakka (N=20) Rivers in Florida starting mid-September. Vitellogenin (Vtg), a female-specific egg yolk protein, was used as a biomarker for ecoestrogen exposure. Western blot staining and a quantitative ELISA were developed to analyze blood serum Vtg concentrations. A new phosphoprotein detection kit method was also tested. Data thus far show no abnormal expression of Vtg in Myakka and Caloosahatchee River hogchokers. Analysis of liver samples from the Caloosahatchee River hogchokers revealed the presence of foci of cellular alterations. These liver abnormalities indicate the presence of an as-yet unknown ecological stressor in the Caloosahatchee River. Research is continuing with more histological analysis of livers for the presence of other pollutant biomarkers.
Recommended Citation
Arnold, Mariah, "Use of Vitellogenin as a Biomarker for Ecoestrogen Exposure in Hogchockers (Trinectes maculatus) from the Caloosahatchee and Myakka Rivers" (2008). Theses & ETDs. 3901.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3901
Rights
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