Bioconcentration of two basic pharmaceuticals, verapamil and clozapine, in fish.

The present study examined the bioconcentration of 2 basic pharmaceuticals: verapamil (a calcium channel blocker) and clozapine (an antipsychotic compound) in 2 fresh water fishes, fathead minnow and channel catfish. In 4 separate bioconcentration factor (BCF) experiments (2 chemicals × 1 exposure concentration × 2 fishes), fathead minnow and channel catfish were exposed to 190 μg/L and 419 μg/L of verapamil (500 μg/L nominal) or 28.5 μg/L and 40 μg/L of clozapine (50 μg/L nominal), respectively.

Tissue-specific uptake and bioconcentration of the oral contraceptive norethindrone in two freshwater fishes.

The environmental presence of the oral contraceptive norethindrone (NET) has been reported and shown to have reproductive effects in fish at environmentally realistic exposure levels. The current study examined bioconcentration potential of NET in fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Fathead minnows were exposed to 50 μg/l NET for 28 days and allowed to depurate in clean water for 14 days.

Bioconcentration of ibuprofen in fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) and channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus).

Pharmaceutical products and their metabolites are being widely detected in aquatic environments and there is a growing interest in assessing potential risks of these substances to fish and other non-target species. Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used analgesic drugs and no peer-reviewed laboratory studies have evaluated the tissue specific bioconcentration of ibuprofen in fish. In the current study, fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to 250 μg L(-1) ibuprofen for 28 d followed by a 14 d depuration phase.

Reproductive responses in fathead minnow and Japanese medaka following exposure to a synthetic progestin, Norethindrone.

Synthetic progestins, such as Norethindrone (NET), are common ingredients in oral contraceptives and in treatment for post-menopausal problems. Given the widespread use of oral contraceptives and post-menopausal treatments, several reports have targeted and identified progestins in aquatic environments. In fish, progestins play an important role in the stimulation of oocyte final maturation and ovulation in females, stimulation of spermiation and sperm motility in males, and the initiation of meiosis in both sexes.