TRIBUTYLTIN-INDUCED IMPOSEX IN STENOGLOSSAN GASTROPODS - PATHOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE-SYSTEM

1. The imposition of male sex organs on female stenoglossan gastropods - "imposex" - is a worldwide phenomenon now known to be associated with the usage of marine antifouling paints containing tributyltin (TBT) compounds. 2. The effect of the imposex response on the female reproductive system varies according to species: in some, breeding appears unaffected, whilst in others the anatomy of the oviduct may be so modified that the female is effectively sterilised. 3. New evidence suggests that TBT interrupts steroid metabolism, notably the conversion of testosterone to oestradiol 17-beta.