Meeting Abstract

72.2  Sunday, Jan. 6  Effects of a Human Pharmaceutical Spironolactone on Secondary Sex Characteristics of Female Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis RAUT, S.A.**; ANGUS, R.A.; University of Alabama at Birmingham; University of Alabama at Birmingham samiksha@uab.edu

Numerous studies, both in the field and laboratory, have demonstrated that a variety of anthropogenic compounds can act as endocrine disruptors. Recently, discovery of pharmaceuticals in sewage treatment work effluent is raising a new environmental concern. Hence, there is a need to investigate impacts on aquatic organisms, particularly fish. Additionally, for accurate risk assessment it is necessary to determine whether these pharmaceuticals have the same effects in fish as in humans. Spironolactone (SPL) is a drug intended for human use, generally as a diuretic. It acts as an aldosterone antagonist and also exhibits anti-androgenic effects in humans. In this study, we examined the dose-dependent effects of SPL on secondary sex traits in female western mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis. Fish were exposed for five weeks to SPL at four concentrations: 10, 100, 250, and 500 nM, via water using the static renewal method. Morphological masculinization of females, as evidenced by development of an elongated and modified (with serrae and hooks) anal fin was observed in the three highest concentrations. On the contrary, we observed significant elongation of anal fins in the lowest exposure group, but without the development of serrae and hooks. These results demonstrate a paradoxical dose-dependent masculinization of female mosquitofish in response to a drug that has anti-androgenic effects in humans. We are currently investigating the effects of SPL on vitellogenin induction.