Reduction in the testosterone levels by PCBs and DDE in Dall's porpoises of northwestern North Pacific
Abstract
The increasing residue levels of PCBs and DDE in the blubber of dalli-type Dall's porpoises were found to have a negative effect on the testosterone levels in blood. Decrease in the levels of testosterone was statistically significant with increase in DDE concentrations. The results obtained suggest that the present levels of environmental contamination by persistent organochlorines can cause an imbalance of sex hormones and subsequent reproductive abnormalities in wild. The other hormone measured, aldosterone, which has no sexual function, was independent of the effects of both PCBs and DDE.
- Publication:
-
Marine Pollution Bulletin
- Pub Date:
- 1987
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0025-326X(87)90397-3
- Bibcode:
- 1987MarPB..18..643S