A Behavioral Analysis of Fathead Minnow "Pimephales promelas" Breeding Patterns When Exposed to Anastrozole and Bisphenol-A
Location
CSU 201
Start Date
21-4-2014 11:05 AM
End Date
21-4-2014 12:05 PM
Student's Major
Biological Sciences
Student's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Mentor's Name
Shannon Fisher
Mentor's Email Address
shannon.fisher@mnsu.edu
Mentor's Department
Water Resources Center
Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Second Mentor's Name
Steven Mercurio
Second Mentor's Email Address
steven.mercurio@mnsu.edu
Second Mentor's Department
Biological Sciences
Second Mentor's College
Science, Engineering and Technology
Description
Many water systems around the world have noted an increased feminization of male fish in the presence of endocrine disrupters. Bisphenol-A (BPA), Anastrozole, farm runoff, soil contaminants, and sewage (industrial and residential) can contribute to the aquatic prevalence of endocrine disruptors. BPA is a chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is an aromatase agonist and known to be estrogenic in nature. Anastrozole is a prescription drug used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is an aromatase inhibitor, meaning it blocks the production of estrogen. This project focused on the behavioral changes that occurred when adult fathead minnows were exposed to different concentrations of BPA and Anastrozole. Two sets of 20-liter tanks were set up with a divider and nesting site for each of the following concentrations (0 ppb BPA, 0.2 ppb BPA, 20 ppb BPA, 0 ppb Anastrozole, 0.2 ppb Anastrozole, and 20 ppb Anastrozole) for a total of 12 tanks. A male and female fathead minnow were then added to the tanks and exposed to one of the concentrations for three weeks. During the exposure period, male pigmentation, frequency of nipping, and nest defense intensity based on territorial protection were used as measures of male aggression. Video analysis and daily observations showed fathead minnows exposed to 20 ppb Anastrozole had darker band coloring, became more aggressive, and stayed close to the nest area than those exposed to BPA.
A Behavioral Analysis of Fathead Minnow "Pimephales promelas" Breeding Patterns When Exposed to Anastrozole and Bisphenol-A
CSU 201
Many water systems around the world have noted an increased feminization of male fish in the presence of endocrine disrupters. Bisphenol-A (BPA), Anastrozole, farm runoff, soil contaminants, and sewage (industrial and residential) can contribute to the aquatic prevalence of endocrine disruptors. BPA is a chemical used in the manufacturing of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It is an aromatase agonist and known to be estrogenic in nature. Anastrozole is a prescription drug used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is an aromatase inhibitor, meaning it blocks the production of estrogen. This project focused on the behavioral changes that occurred when adult fathead minnows were exposed to different concentrations of BPA and Anastrozole. Two sets of 20-liter tanks were set up with a divider and nesting site for each of the following concentrations (0 ppb BPA, 0.2 ppb BPA, 20 ppb BPA, 0 ppb Anastrozole, 0.2 ppb Anastrozole, and 20 ppb Anastrozole) for a total of 12 tanks. A male and female fathead minnow were then added to the tanks and exposed to one of the concentrations for three weeks. During the exposure period, male pigmentation, frequency of nipping, and nest defense intensity based on territorial protection were used as measures of male aggression. Video analysis and daily observations showed fathead minnows exposed to 20 ppb Anastrozole had darker band coloring, became more aggressive, and stayed close to the nest area than those exposed to BPA.
Recommended Citation
Wang, Lina. "A Behavioral Analysis of Fathead Minnow "Pimephales promelas" Breeding Patterns When Exposed to Anastrozole and Bisphenol-A." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2014.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2014/oral_session_04/3
