Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

2581

Date

2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Biology

Committee Chair

Charles Allen Lessman

Committee Member

David Freeman

Committee Member

Omar Skalli

Abstract

The production of fertlized eggs in zebrafish, Danio rerio, is a complex process involving the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad axis (HPGA). The HPGAis central in the regulation of embryo output. Perturbations of this axis may impact reproduction with consequenses for the population. Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) include a variety of pollutants present in the environment. Estrogenic compounds such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) have been reported to affect reproduction in a variety of species including humans. EDCs may have direct effects on the HPGA or indirect effects through toxic action on supporting organs. In this study, the effects of DES on puberty and reproduction were determined in a novel way by using the transparent Casper zebrafish that allow direct visualization of the gonadal status over time. Changes in gonadal status were correlated with effects on secondary sex characteristics (i.e., genital vent size and breeding tubercles), spawning and embryo production.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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