Meeting Abstract
Nonylphenol (NP) is a commonly used surfactant in a variety of industries. NP shows an affinity for estrogen receptors, hence its classification as an endocrine disruptor and potential danger to reproductive success. NP accumulates in aquatic environments and several studies have demonstrated reduced olfaction and impaired gonad development and feminization in a variety of species after exposure. Previous research suggests that NP exposure can also lead to reduced molting. As molting is triggered by ecdysone release or inhibited by molt inhibiting hormone (MIH) release, this decrease in molting could be attributed to interference with either aspect of this endocrine controlled system. Increases in MIH or decreases in ecdysone are potential mechanisms for delayed or diminished molting. However, changes in the concentrations of these hormones are not the only possible site of interference as competitive receptor binding inhibition could change molting frequency. We hypothesize that NP will disrupt the molting hormone signaling pathways. To test this hypothesis, we quantified hormone concentrations in the hemolymph and receptor expression in gonad tissue during nonylphenol exposure.
