Use of vitellogenin (Vtg) as a biomarker for endocrine disruption in hatchery fish

Salmonid Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RM&E)

Monitoring
Project ID2005-Stil-07
Recovery DomainsPuget Sound
Start Date03/01/2007
End Date09/30/2007
Year2005
StatusCompleted
Last Edited01/14/2025
 
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Description    


In 2005, the Snohomish County Council requested information from the Snohomish County Marine Resource Committee (MRC) on the impacts of endocrine disrupting chemicals on salmon species. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that disrupt important bodily functions, such as cellular development and reproduction, by mimicking or interfering with natural hormones. These chemicals may decrease fecundity and fertility, and cause reproductive tract abnormalities. As a member agency of the MRC, we proposed to determine if male Stillaguamish hatchery Chinook have elevated levels of vitellogenin (Vtg) in their blood. To accomplish this, we partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fisheries laboratory to conduct ELISA assays (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) to determine if measurable amounts of Vtg were present in hatchery Chinook.

Vitellogenin is a yolk protein produced in the liver of oviparous animals in response to estrogen. Its synthesis is normally observed only in sexually mature females with developing eggs, however male fish can synthesize Vtg when exposed to exogenous estradiol or to substances that mimic estrogens (e.g. large suite of personal care products and pesticides). Therefore, the abnormal production of Vtg in male fish can be used as a biological indicator for exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds.

Endocrine disruption has been recognized as a major health issue for both humans and wildlife in Washington State. There is very little data on the impacts of endocrine disruption on pacific salmon stocks. This sampling effort may indicate the presence of Vtg in Chinook salmon and the consequent need to address endocrine disrupting chemicals in our salmon recovery efforts. Project results could lead to future funding to determine which chemicals/contaminants are posing the greatest threat.

Project Benefit    


Endocrine disruption has been recognized as a major health issue for both humans and wildlife in Washington State. There is very little data on the impacts of endocrine disruption on pacific salmon stocks. This sampling effort may indicate the presence of Vtg in Chinook salmon and the consequent need to address endocrine disrupting chemicals in our salmon recovery efforts. Project results could lead to future funding to determine which chemicals/contaminants are posing the greatest threat.

This project will complement the work plan items of the Snohomish County Marine Resource Committee Water Quality sub committee. Currently, the group plans to pursue measures to prevent endocrine disrupting chemicals from entering the environment, whether it is through changes in pesticide use, stormwater management or wastewater treatment. Other than the work underway by King County and NOAA Fisheries, virtually no data exist to show if and how a variety of specific chemicals pose a threat to the natural environment in our region.

Accomplishments

Metric Completed Originally
Proposed

Funding Details

SourceFunds
PCSRF$1,480
Report Total:$1,480


Project Map



Worksites

20043177    


  • Worksite Identifier: 20043177
  • Start Date:
  • End Date:
Area Description

No Area Description data was found for this worksite.

Location Information

  • Basin: Puget Sound (171100)
  • Subbasin: Stillaguamish (17110008)
  • Watershed:
  • Subwatershed:
  • State: Washington
  • Recovery Domain: Puget Sound
  • Latitude: 48.201944
  • Longitude: -122.216781

ESU

  • Puget Sound Chinook Salmon ESU

Map

Photos

Metrics

Metrics
  • E.0 Salmonid Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation (RM&E)Y (Y/N)
    •      . . E.0.a RM&E Funding 1,480.00
    •      . . E.0.d.1 Number of Cooperating Organizations 0
    •      . . E.0.d.2
      Name Of Cooperating Organizations.
      none
    •      . . E.0.e.1 Number of reports prepared
    •      . . E.1 MonitoringY (Y/N)
      •      . . . . E.1.a Monitoring funding 1,480.00
      •      . . . . E.1.b.1 Stream Miles Monitored .00
      •      . . . . E.1.c.1 Adult salmonid population monitoringY (Y/N)
        •      . . . . E.1.e
          Description of monitoring
          none