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In Ovo Exposure to a Triazine Herbicide: Effects of Atrazine on Circulating Reproductive Hormones and Gonadal Histology in Young Japanese Quail

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Abstract

The triazine herbicide, atrazine, has come under scrutiny for its reported feminizing effects in amphibians. To date, there is little information concerning the effects of atrazine on reproduction in avian species. The current study examined the putative reproductive toxicity of atrazine after exposure in ovo. Atrazine at 504, 246, and 123 μg/kg was administered to Japanese quail eggs before incubation. The eggs were hatched and the birds raised to 14 days of age. Indices of hatchability, sex ratios, and growth were determined. Furthermore, circulating concentrations of reproductive hormones (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) and gonadal histology were examined. Atrazine at 504 μg/kg decreased 14-day hatchling weight by 13.1% versus controls. However, no detrimental effects on hatchability or sex ratios were observed. In female birds, atrazine at 504 μg/kg decreased ovarian weights and circulating concentrations of progesterone to 48.3% and 73.3%, respectively, versus control. However, concentrations of estradiol and testosterone did not differ from controls. In male quail, at all doses tested, atrazine had no effect on gonadal weights or circulating concentrations of estradiol, testosterone, or progesterone. Moreover, no incidences of left ovotestis formation were observed. In contrast, 10 ng/kg ethinylestradiol (a positive control) induced the formation of a left ovotestis in four of eight birds analyzed. The current results may suggest that exposure to atrazine in ovo at concentrations above ecologic relevance exerts effects on the reproductive system of young Japanese quail. However, no evidence is presented that atrazine induces feminization of the testis in male quail.

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Acknowledgments

We acknowledge Jin Sook Lee for assistance with photomicroscopy. This study was funded by a special grant from the Center for Designing Foods to Improve Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames, IA.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Interdepartmental Toxicology Program, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA

    K. W. Wilhelms

  2. Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, 2356 Kildee Hall, Ames, Iowa, 50011, USA

    K. W. Wilhelms, K. F. Fitzpatrick & L. L. Anderson

  3. Departments of Poultry and Basic Science, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, 39762, USA

    C. G. Scanes

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  1. K. W. Wilhelms
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  2. K. F. Fitzpatrick
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  3. C. G. Scanes
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  4. L. L. Anderson
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Correspondence to L. L. Anderson.

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Wilhelms, K.W., Fitzpatrick, K.F., Scanes, C.G. et al. In Ovo Exposure to a Triazine Herbicide: Effects of Atrazine on Circulating Reproductive Hormones and Gonadal Histology in Young Japanese Quail. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 51, 117–122 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-005-0165-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-005-0165-x

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