Detalle de: ADVANCES IN COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY

Accumulation of chemicals in aquatic ecosystems remains a concern, despite extensive legislation to control discharges. In this study, the impacts of in vivo exposures of juvenile sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) to the antidepressant fluoxetine (FLX), and to the natural estrogen 17βestradiol (E2) were investigated. A significant increase in E2 and FLX plasma levels confirmed the effectiveness of exposure by injection. Plasma estrogen-responsive parameters including calcium, phosphorus and vitellogenin were significantly altered in response to E2 but not FLX, while enzyme activities related to mineral turnover in scales were not affected. The scale proteome of fish exposed to E2 and FLX for 5 days revealed that 213 proteins had significantly altered levels compared to the control group, 31 of which were altered by both E2 and FLX. In vitro transactivation assays revealed antiestrogenic activities of FLX via nuclear estrogen receptors when combined with E2 and indicated one of the potential mechanisms through which FLX may interfere with scales.