Molecular Study On The Effects Of Atrazine On Developmental Toxicity Of Xenopus Laevis

[Objective]Xenopus laevis were exposed to different concentrations of atrazine in this study.and we obtained the samples at two different times.Apply Gene expression profiling and Real time RT-PCR to respectively analyse the pathways of gonad development and the genes of liver development,then explore the molecular mechanism of atrazine on amphibians developmental toxicity.[Methods]Xenopus laevis were randomly divided into five groups:control group and four atrazine groups(0.1,1,10,100μg/L). In two different times for obtaining gonads and livers, then quickly placed in liquid nitrogen.for Gene expression profiling and Real time RT-PCR.[Results]1. The effect of atrazine on the growth development of Xenopus laevis There was no significant difference in growth of Xenopus laevis between control and atrazinc groups (p>0.05) excepting the decrease of liver weight (O.1、1、10μg/L, p<0.05); The time of tadpoles metamorphos in0.1and100μg/L atrazine groups is longer than other groups (p>0.O5); Atrazine did not change the sex ratio (p>0.05) Atrazine group induced the male gonadal to appear abnormal segments.2. The effect of atrazine on the Xenopus Gene expression profiling within the male gonadThere are six significant pathways:Arginine and proline metabolism. Cell cycle、Riboflavin metabolism、Spliceosome、Base excision repair and Progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation.And many GO terms.3. The effect of atrazine on the gene expression within the liver There were no significant differences in the gene expression of VTG、ER、 HSP70、GR; but significantly increase HSP90and AR in100μg/L atrazine groups (p<0.05).[Conclusions]1. Atrazine had no effect on the growth of Xenopus laevis but the decrease of liver weight; Atrazine did not change the sex ratio;Atrazine little inhibited the metamorphosis time of Xenopus laevis tadpoles and induced abnormal segments of male gonads.2. Atrazine may through the six pathways to affect the male gonads development of Xenopus laevis:Arginine and proline metabolism、Cell cycle、Riboflavin metabolism、Spliceosome、Base excision repair and Progesterone-mediated oocyte maturation.3. Atrazine had no significant differences in the gene expression of VTG、ER、HSP70、 GR; but significantly increase HSP90and AR in100μg/L atrazine groups.