Vitellogenin (VTG) is considered as a marker of endocrine disruption. A Western blot method for VTG quantification in Caretta caretta turtle plasma was developed using anti-VTG antibody for Chelonia mydas. A screening of samples (np 61) collected in the southern Mediterranean Sea around Lampedusa Island, Italy, was performed. The antibody showed a good cross-reactivity with C. caretta VTG, suggesting a certain conservation of the core of the protein in different sea turtle species. The optimal operative condition forWestern blot analysis consists of using diluted plasma at 1 : 50. In field samples, a certain mismatch with morphological sexing was observed, and VTG was detected in young animals. These results suggest the possibility of a precocious activation of VTG-encoding genes before sexual maturation and/or exposure to endocrine disrupter substances.
A. Zaccaroni, M. Zucchini, L. Segatta, M. Gamberoni, D. Freggi, P. A. Accorsi, et al. (2010). Vitellogenin conservation in sea turtles: Anti-VTG antibody in Chelonia mydas VS. Caretta caretta. PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL ZOOLOGY, 83, 191-195 [10.1086/648486].
Vitellogenin conservation in sea turtles: Anti-VTG antibody in Chelonia mydas VS. Caretta caretta
ZACCARONI, ANNALISA;GAMBERONI, MATTEO;ACCORSI, PIER ATTILIO;SCARAVELLI, DINO;
2010
Abstract
Vitellogenin (VTG) is considered as a marker of endocrine disruption. A Western blot method for VTG quantification in Caretta caretta turtle plasma was developed using anti-VTG antibody for Chelonia mydas. A screening of samples (np 61) collected in the southern Mediterranean Sea around Lampedusa Island, Italy, was performed. The antibody showed a good cross-reactivity with C. caretta VTG, suggesting a certain conservation of the core of the protein in different sea turtle species. The optimal operative condition forWestern blot analysis consists of using diluted plasma at 1 : 50. In field samples, a certain mismatch with morphological sexing was observed, and VTG was detected in young animals. These results suggest the possibility of a precocious activation of VTG-encoding genes before sexual maturation and/or exposure to endocrine disrupter substances.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
