Effects of 17-α-ethynylestradiol on Hybrid Striped Bass Sperm

Abstract

One of the most potent EDCs in the environment is 17-ethynylestradiol (EE2), the hormone in most birth control pills. EE2 is released into the ecosystem through human wastewater, affecting the environment and its inhabitants. Fish both live and reproduce in these affected ecosystems, which may make them particularly susceptible to the effects of EE2. This study investigates the impacts on reproductive efficacy of acute, direct exposure of male hybrid striped bass sperm cells to EE2. In the study, reproductive efficacy is measured by two endpoints: genetic integrity of sperm DNA and sperm cell viability. Genetic integrity and cell viability were assessed by the comet assay and SYBR-14/Propidium Iodide stains, respectively. The results concerning genetic integrity were not statistically significant, but the results of the sperm viability assay suggest that acute direct exposure to EE2 does not cause significant death within a population of sperm.