PUBLICATION

Toxic Effects of PCB Congeners and Aroclors on Embryonic Growth and Development

Authors
Singleman, C., Zimmerman, A., Harrison, E., Roy, N., Wirgin, I., Holtzman, N.G.
ID
ZDB-PUB-201031-7
Date
2020
Source
Environmental toxicology and chemistry   40(1): 187-201 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Holtzman, Nathalia Glickman
Keywords
Aroclor 1016, Aroclor 1242, Aroclor 1254, Aroclor 1260, PCB 104, PCB 126, PCB uptake, blood vessels, embryo, growth, heart, liver, pancreas, survival, zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Aroclors*/toxicity
  • Growth and Development
  • Liver
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls*/toxicity
  • Zebrafish
PubMed
33118622 Full text @ Environ. Toxicol. Chem.
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) cause significant health and reproductive problems in many vertebrates. Exposure during embryogenesis likely leads to defects in organ development, compromising survival and growth through adulthood. This study identifies the impact of PCBs on the embryonic development of key organs and resulting consequences on survival and growth. Zebrafish embryos were treated with individual PCB congeners (126 or 104) or one of four Aroclor mixtures (1016, 1242, 1254, or 1260) and analyzed for changes in gross embryonic morphology. Specific organs were assessed during embryonic development for defects using a variety of transgenic zebrafish to improve organ visualization. Resulting larvae were grown to adulthood, while survival and growth were assayed. Embryonic gross development upon PCB treatment was abnormal with defects presenting in a concentration dependent manner in the liver, pancreas, heart, and blood vessel organization. PCB 126 treatment resulted in the most consistently severe and fatal phenotypes, while treatments with PCB 104 and Aroclors resulted in a range of more subtle organ defects. Survival of fish was highly variable, though the growth rates of surviving fish was relatively normal suggesting that maturing PCB-treated fish that survive develop compensatory strategies needed to reach adulthood. Lifespan analyses of fish from embryogenesis through adulthood, as in this study, are scarce but important for the field as they help identify foci for further studies. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping