Reproductive effects in fathead minnows (Pimphales promelas) following a 21 d exposure to 17α-ethinylestradiol.

17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) is a synthetic estrogen that is an active ingredient in oral contraception and hormone replacement therapy. Surveys of wastewater treatment plant effluents and surface waters throughout the world have reported EE2 concentrations in the ng/L range, and these low levels can cause significant reproductive effects in fish. This study tested the effects of three environmentally relevant EE2 concentrations: 0.47, 1.54 and 3.92 ng/L using a 21 d short-term reproductive assay to investigate the effects of EE2 on fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) reproduction. The two highest EE2 concentrations tested in this study caused significant liver gene expression and induction of vitellogenin plasma protein in male fathead minnows. Exposure to 3.92 ng EE2/L increased the production of plasma vitellogenin in the females. Plasma estradiol concentrations were significantly reduced in females exposed to 1.54 and 3.92 ng EE2/L. All three tested concentrations significantly reduced fathead minnow egg production after a 21 d exposure to EE2. The results of this study indicate that the previously reported no observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC) for EE2 on fathead minnow egg production (1.0 ng/L) may be too high. Because all three treatments resulted in significantly reduced egg production, the lowest observed adverse effect concentration (LOAEC) for EE2 on fathead minnow egg production is 0.47 ng EE2/L. This research estimates a NOAEC for fathead minnow reproduction at 0.24 ng EE2/L following a 21 d exposure. Additionally, induction of vitellogenin is a sensitive indicator of estrogen exposure but does not appear to be predictive of fathead minnow egg production.