Meeting Abstract

P1-180  Thursday, Jan. 4 15:30 – 17:30  The Developmental Effects of Trenbolone on Reproductive Physiology in Gambusia holbrooki MALMBORG, A*; GUISE, E; O’BRIEN, S; Radford University; University of California- Davis; Radford University amalmborg@radford.edu

The molecule trenbolone is an anabolic steroid commonly used by cattle farmers as a growth promoter. Trenbolone acts as a testosterone agonist but has a greater binding affinity than testosterone, giving it a greater potential to alter species’ physiology (Orlando 2004). The potency of the molecule puts homeostasis and reproductive health of exposed individuals at risk. Previous studies conducted in the Radford University Ecophysiology Lab showed masculinization of matured Gambusia holbrooki (mosquitofish) (Guise, 2016). Here, we conducted a developmental study using Gambusia holbrooki fry to assess the influence trenbolone has on maturation and reproductive development by administering ecologically relevant doses. Fish morphology was analyzed, specifically looking for alternations to sex characteristics to identify possible reproductive abnormalities.