Adverse effects of bisphenol A on the testicular parenchyma of zebrafish revealed using histomorphological methods

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the consequences of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Short-term effects at a testes level were assessed by means of different biomarkers in 60 male zebrafish exposed for 14 days in aquariums to different concentrations of BPA (1, 10, 100 and 1000 µg/l) in addition to a control batch. The LC-MS/MS method was used for the quantification of BPA. The BPA levels in the zebrafish tissues increased together with increasing exposure of fish to BPA. Several alterations were observed in the zebrafish testes. Particularly notable morphological changes included, a pronounced degeneration of all cell components, an increase in the percentage of the sustentacular (Sertoli) cells, and a marked decrease in the percentage of germ cells starting from concentrations of 100 µg/l of BPA. Our results indicate that histopathology and testes morphometry are sensitive biomarkers for the analysis of early effects of an environmental concentration of BPA in zebrafish experimental models. Our observations reveal that the nature and intensity of the morphological changes in the testes are concentration-dependent in the case of BPA, and manifest as adverse effects on the fish's reproductive health.

Keywords

• endocrine disruption
• bpa
• danio rerio
• sustentacular cells
• spermatogonia
• spermatocytes
• spermatids
• spermatozoa