Revista de ciencias farmacéuticas y medicamentos emergentes

Pentachlorophenol-Induced Oocyte Maturation in Catfish Heteropneustes Fossils: An In Vitro Study Correlating with Changes in Steroid Profiles

Radha Chaube, Abhay Kumar Pandey and Sunanda Dubey

Pentachlorophenol-Induced Oocyte Maturation in Catfish Heteropneustes Fossils: An In Vitro Study Correlating with Changes in Steroid Profiles

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is an organochlorine compound widely used as a biocide and a disinfectant. Its extensive use and persistence have resulted in significant threat to aquatic animals especially fish. In the present study, we report in vitro effects of PCP on oocyte maturation and ovulation, correlating with changes in steroid hormones such as estradiol-17β (E2), testosterone (T), progesterone (P4) and cortisol in the catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Fully matured post-vitellogenic ovarian follicles were incubated with different concentrations of PCP. PCP stimulated both germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and ovulation, associated with increase or decrease in T, E2, P4 and cortisol levels in a concentration- and duration dependent manner. Thus, PCP down regulated C-18-C19 steroids (E2-Testosterone) and up-regulated C21 steroids (cortisol and P4). These results suggest that PCP acts as a potential endocrine-disrupting chemical that can modulate catfish reproduction.