Effects of 17β-estradiol on gonadal morphology in Acris blanchardi

Abstract

Endocrine disrupting compounds, like 17β-estradiol (E2), contaminate wildlife habitats, which leaves organisms vulnerable to compounds that have adverse effects on their gonadal development. Amphibians are the most vulnerable to these compounds due to the high permeability of their skin. In our study, we will be observing the effects 17β-estradiol has on the gonadal morphology in Acris blanchardi. The frogs will be exposed to E2 concentrations dependent on the treatment group (concentrations) throughout the larval phase until metamorphosis. With increasing concentrations of E2 we expect to see a movement towards complete sex reversal to phenotypic females marked by varying other gonadal abnormalities.