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Endocrine effects of the tapeworm Ligula intestinalis in its teleost host, the roach (Rutilus rutilus)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 December 2009

P. GERAUDIE*
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, University of Le Havre, BP 540, 76058Le Havre, France
C. BOULANGE-LECOMTE
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, University of Le Havre, BP 540, 76058Le Havre, France
M. GERBRON
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, University of Le Havre, BP 540, 76058Le Havre, France
N. HINFRAY
Affiliation:
Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques, Unité d'évaluation des Risques, BP 2, 60550Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
F. BRION
Affiliation:
Institut National de l'Environnement Industriel et des Risques, Unité d'évaluation des Risques, BP 2, 60550Verneuil-en-Halatte, France
C. MINIER
Affiliation:
Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, University of Le Havre, BP 540, 76058Le Havre, France
*
*Corresponding author: Laboratory of Ecotoxicology, University of Le Havre, BP 540, 76058Le Havre, France. Tel: +33 232 74 43 90. Fax: +33 232 74 43 14. E-mail: [email protected]

Summary

The effects of parasite infection by the cestode Ligula intestinalis on the reproductive function and endocrine system of wild roach Rutilus rutilus were evaluated. Gonad maturation, plasma vitellogenin, plasma steroid concentrations (i.e. progesterone, 11-keto-testosterone and 17-β-estradiol) and brain aromatase activity were investigated in relation with parasitization. A low prevalence (8%) of ligulosed roach and a moderate impact of parasitization (mean parasitization index of 8·8%) were found in the studied population. Inhibition of gonad maturation generally resulted from infestation but 5% of the ligulosed roach nevertheless reached maturity. Main sex steroid plasma content was depleted in both genders. Male 11-keto-testosterone, female 17-β-estradiol and progesterone plasma concentrations of both genders were, respectively, 27, 5 and 3 times lower in ligulosed fish when compared to their non-infected counterparts. Progesterone levels were negatively correlated with the parasitization index in females. Brain aromatase activity of infected roach was reduced to 50% of that of the non-infected fish. These results demonstrate significant negative effects on the reproductive function of wild roach infected by the tapeworm L. intestinalis collected from a site with low contamination.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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