Studio preliminare sull’effetto estrogenico del 4-nonilfenolo somministrato per via intraperitoneale a maschi adulti di Shubunkin (Carassius auratus, L.).

Aim of present study was to evaluate any possible estrogenic effect induced by 4-nonylphenol in Shubunkin (Carassius auratus) by quantifying plasmatic concentration of the precursor of yolk proteins, vitellogenin (VTG). Adult male Carassius auratus were intraperitoneally administered 4-nonylphenol (10 and 25 mg/kg), vehicle (ethanol 2% in saline) and estradiol 17- (5 mg/kg) and VTG plasma levels were determined by ELISA at 10 and 20 days post treatment. Already at day 10 post-treatment estradiol 17- and 4-nonylphenol at 25 mg/kg induce vitellogenin production, while no effect was observed for vehicle and 4-nonylphenol at 10 mg/kg. Obtained data confirm the estrogenic activity exerted by nonylphenol in teleost species and the reliability of Carassius auratus, Shubunkin variety, as testing species for endocrine disruption effects evaluation.