| Title: | Effects of a candidate antifouling compound (medetomidine) on pheromone induced mate search in the amphipod Corophium volutator |
| Address: | "Department of Marine Ecology, Goteborg University, Kristineberg Marine Research Station, S-450 34 Fiskebackskil, Sweden. a.s.krang@kmf.gu.se " |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2006.09.015 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 0025-326X (Print) 0025-326X (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Environmental hazards associated with traditional, toxic antifouling coatings based on heavy metals calls for the development of alternative, environmentally acceptable antifouling compounds. Medetomidine ((+/-)-4-[1-(2,3-dimethylphenyl)ethyl]-1H-imidazole) is a candidate antifouling biocide which impedes settlement of barnacles in the nanomolar range. Prior to introducing novel biocides it is of great importance to consider potential effects on non-target organisms. This study is the first to investigate the effects of medetomidine on the amphipod Corophium volutator, specifically effects on male mate search behaviour. In a laboratory, Y-maze bioassay, C. volutator males were allowed to follow female pheromones after 24 h exposure to 0 (control), 0.01 and 0.1 microg mL(-1) medetomidine. We found that exposure to medetomidine at both concentrations significantly reduced pheromone induced mate search (by 42-71%), with fewer males crawling towards female odour. The results obtained indicate that medetomidine may impair the reproductive fitness of non-target crustaceans, an aspect that needs to be considered before further commercialisation" |
| Keywords: | "Amphipoda/*drug effects Animals Medetomidine/analysis/*toxicity Pesticides/*toxicity Seawater/analysis Sex Attractants/physiology Sexual Behavior, Animal/*drug effects Water Pollutants, Chemical/*toxicity;" |
| Notes: | "MedlineKrang, Anna-Sara Dahlstrom, Mia eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2006/10/31 Mar Pollut Bull. 2006 Dec; 52(12):1776-83. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2006.09.015. Epub 2006 Oct 27" |
