Expression variations of two retinoid signaling pathway receptors in the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus exposed to three endocrine disruptors

Endocrine disruption compounds (EDC) are known to affect reproduction, development, and growth of exposed organisms. Although in vertebrates, EDCs mainly act through steroid receptors (e.g. androgen estrogen receptors), their absence many invertebrates suggests the involvement another biological pathway endocrine effects. As retinoid signaling is present almost all Metazoa its gastropods (i.e. imposex) has been demonstrated, work was devoted investigating relative mRNA variations two genes, X receptor (RXR) acid (RAR), freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus for 6, 12 24 h flutamide, fenitrothion cyproterone acetate, three anti-androgens disrupt sexual reproduction sp. Results revealed that did not levels RXR RAR B. calyciflorus, whereas could be significantly increased by 2 4.5-fold from 7-fold after exposure flutamide respectively. Moreover, effects acetate were measured 6 exposure, Cyproterone caused highest increase levels, probably due progestin activity addition anti-androgenic potential presence a membrane-associated progesterone as reported manjavacas. Consequently, although it still difficult evaluate hormonal pathways involved sp., this appears good starting point try elucidate molecular mechanisms reproductive dysfunction Brachionidae.