The Effects of Tributyltin, an Endocrine Disrupting Compound, on Zebrafish Retinal Physiology

Retinal development is a complex process that is sensitive to even the most acute disruptions. A key hormone in this development is estrogen. Disrupting the synthesis of estrogen can lead to the thinning of the cornea and retina, abnormal and delayed eye growth, and cell death. A brief chemical disruption has been shown to have long-term consequences. Tributyltin (TBT), an organotin compound and an environmentally relevant endocrine disrupting compound (EDC), is an estrogen synthesis inhibitor that prevents the synthesis of estrogen from testosterone. Unfortunately, not a lot is known about the long-term effects of atypical estrogen signaling due to transient developmental exposure to TBT. This study tests the effects of transient developmental exposure on adult retinal physiology using zebrafish (Danio rerio) electroretinograms (ERGs). The results are relevant to EDC-associated changes in neuronal function and diseases that involve retinal disruptions.