Estrogenic response in Japanese turtle (Mauremys japonica) exposed to petroleum hydrocarbon

Expressions of the estrogen receptors and vitellogenin in Japanese turtle (Mauremys japonica) in response to petroleum hydrocarbon were studied. A total of 15 male turtles were exposed to 1.00 mg L(-1) of a sample of an oil spill, and 15 male and 15 female turtles were served as controls without an oil spill. The transcripts' results demonstrated an increase over time with greater expression of vitellogenin I in males exposed to petroleum with significant differences. In the case of vitellogenin II, the expression was greater than control males, but it was similar to the values of control females. Concerning the estrogen receptor and estrogen receptor , males exposed to oil spill presented higher values at 72 hr than the controls. In conclusion, in the present work, the effect of petroleum as an endocrine disruptor in turtles was demonstrated, and it can be used to identify damages induced by the presence of hydrocarbons in aquatic environments.