EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO A CONTAMINATED-SEDIMENT EXTRACT ON THE METABOLISM AND DISPOSITION OF 17-BETA-ESTRADIOL IN ENGLISH SOLE (PAROPHRYS-VETULUS)

1. Effects of a contaminated sediment extract on the disposition and metabolism of H-3-17-beta-estradiol in juvenile English sole and on plasma levels of endogenous estradiol in gravid females were examined. 2. Plasma estradiol levels were reduced in both extract-treated juvenile and gravid-sole compared to controls, and in juvenile sole this decrease preceeded an increase in bile levels of H-3-17-beta-estradiol. 3. Extract treatment had no significant effect on types or proportions of 17-beta-estradiol metabolites or levels of related hepatic enzymes. 4. Thus, lower plasma estradiol levels in extract-treated sole were apparently due to alterations in physiological factors (e.g. increased bile flow) and not to enhanced metabolism of 17-beta-estradiol.