Development of a Bioassay to Quantify Vitellogenin in the Endangered Razorback Sucker followed by Annual Cycle Characterization of Vitellogenin and Steroid Hormones as a Measure of Reproductive Health

Publisher: USGS | Science Center: Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC, Columbia) | Format: URL

www.cerc.usgs.gov — This research project objective is to measure vtg and steroid hormones in sexually mature, adult razorback sucker over one annual -estradiol,ß reproductive cycle. We will measure vtg and steroid hormones (17 11-ketotestosterone, and testosterone) in blood plasma of razorback suckers once a month for one year to document concentrations throughout More... This research project objective is to measure vtg and steroid hormones in sexually mature, adult razorback sucker over one annual -estradiol,ß reproductive cycle. We will measure vtg and steroid hormones (17 11-ketotestosterone, and testosterone) in blood plasma of razorback suckers once a month for one year to document concentrations throughout the reproductive cycle. These data will document the variation in vtg and hormones during the reproductive cycle and determine typical concentrations during the various seasons. Because the vtg assay is normally species specific, we will need to screen antibodies currently available for various fish species for cross reactivity with the razorback sucker. If currently available antibodies do not cross-react with razorback sucker vtg, we will develop species-specific monoclonal antibodies to measure vtg in razorback sucker. Less...