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Vitellogenin Gene Transcription: A Relative Quantitative Exposure Indicator of Environmental Estrogens
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| Abstract: | We report the development of a quantifiable exposure indicator for measuring the presence of environmental estrogens in aquatic systems. Synthetic oligonucleotides, designed specifically for the vitellogenin gene (Vg) transcription product, were used in a Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) protocol. This extremely sensitive and rapid method was able to detect vitellogenin gene transcription in male common carp (Cyprinus carpio) injected with 17B-estradiol. Sequence analysis of the induced rRNA product confirmed a vitellogenin gene transcirpt with homology to rainbow trout and fathead minnow vitellogenin cDNA sequences. Relative levels of vitellogenin gene induction among individuals were quantified by incorporating 18S rRNA 'universal' primers and Competimers in a PCR "multiplex" reaction with primers for vitellogenin. This method is more sensitive than current protocols, such as mortality, visible signs of stress, or other techniques which look for unscheduled gene expression, since we measure the appearance of primary transcripts at the nanogram level. In addition, this procedure does not sacrifice accuracy or reliability even though the exposure to estrogen is within one day. This research will support the construction of regional stressor profiles, thereby providing a method for comparative enviornmental exposure assessment. It may also provide an in vivo screening method for potential endocrine disrupting compounds. |
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| Citation: | Lattier, D. L., D. A. Gordon, D. J. Burks, and G. P. Toth. Vitellogenin Gene Transcription: A Relative Quantitative Exposure Indicator of Environmental Estrogens. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 20(9):1979-1985, (2001). |
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| Contact: |
Linda Ransick - (513) 569-7395 or ransick.linda@epa.gov
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| Division: |
Ecological Exposure Research Division |
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| Branch: |
Molecular Ecology Research Branch |
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| Product Type: |
Journal |
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| Published: |
09/01/2001 |
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