© 1985 Oxford University Press
research-article |
The Enhancing Effect of Spawning on Elimination of a Persistent Polychlorinated Biphenyl from Female Yellow Perch1
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226 School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin 53706
The Enhancing Effect of Spawning on Elimination of a Persistent Polychlorinated Biphenyl from Female Yellow Perch. VODICNIK, M. J., AND PETERSON, R. E. (1985). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 5, 770–776. Distribution and elimination of 2,5,2',5'-tetrachloro[14C]biphenyl. (4-CB) were studied for 6 months after exposing sexually mature female yellow perch to the compound in water and transferring them to flowing 4-CB-free water. Perch that were exposed in January spawned in May, and the study was terminated in June. During the first 4
months after exposure, the t for whole-body elimination was 22 weeks, primarily by elimination of 4-CB from the viscera and carcass. During spawning, enhanced elimination (t < 0.7 weeks) was due to the voiding of eggs containing 4-CB. After spawning, whole-body elimination returned to a slower rate (t = 16.3 weeks). Prior to the enhancement in 4-CB elimination rate during spawning, there was a redistribution of 4-CB residues within the body of the perch which was characterized by a transfer of 4-CB residues from primarily the carcass and viscera to eggs. Two weeks after exposure, 30% of the initial 4-CB body burden was distributed to the eggs, whereas just prior to spawning, about 50% was present in this tissue. These findings demonstrate that egg maturation and spawning result in a significant reduction in the body burden of a persistent polychlorinated biphenyl in a lean-fish species.