Uptake of 17β-estradiol and biomarker responses in brown trout (Salmo trutta) exposed to pulses

In streams, chemicals such as 17β-estradiol (E2) are likely to occur in pulses. We investigated uptake and biomarker responses in juvenile brown trout (Salmo trutta) of 3- or 6-h pulses of concentrations up to 370 ng E2 L−1. Uptake by the fish was estimated from disappearance of E2 from tank water. A single 6-h pulse of 370 ng E2 L−1 increased the plasma vitellogenin concentration, liver Erα- and vitellogenin-mRNA. Exposure to 150–160 ng E2 L−1 for 6 h increased vitellogenin in one experiment but not in another. Two 6-h pulses had a larger effect one pulse. Brown trout in the size range 24–74 g took up E2 linearly with time and exposure concentration with a concentration ratio rate of 20.2 h−1. In conclusion, the threshold for induction of estrogenic effects in juvenile brown trout at short term pulse exposure appears to be in the range 150–200 ng E2 L−1.

► We investigated estrogenic effects of pulse exposure of 17β-estradiol in brown trout. ► We used induction of vitellogenin and gene expression as biomarkers. ► The threshold for effects after 6 h pulses ranges between 150 and 200 ng E2 L−1. ► E2 is taken up in ≈50 g fish linearly with time and concentration at 20 h−1.