SREL Reprint #2219

Increased circulating levels of testosterone and corticosterone in Southern Toad, Bufo terrestris, exposed to coal combustion waste

William A. Hopkins1, Mary T. Mendonca1, and Justin D. Congdon2

1Department of Zoology and Wildlife Science, Auburn University, 331 Funchess Hall, Auburn, Alabama 36849
2The Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, P.O. Drawer E, Aiken, South Carolina 29802

Abstract: This study describes an interrenal stress response in adult toads, Bufo terrestris, after exposure to coal combustion waste (characterized by a variety of trace elements). In the first portion of this study, free-ranging male toads captured at the coal ash polluted site exhibited significantly higher circulating levels of corticosterone (B) in both June/July and August than conspecifics captured at uncontaminated sites. In addition, both calling and noncalling males from the polluted site had higher B levels than conspecifics engaged in the same behaviors at reference sites. Testosterone levels were elevated in toads from the polluted site, regardless of capture month or behavioral state, suggesting altered androgen production, utilization, and/or clearance. In the second portion of this study, male toads from reference sites were transplanted to enclosures at the polluted site or an uncontaminated site. Toads held at the polluted site exhibited significant increases in B after 10 days of exposure compared to toads held at the reference site. B levels remained significantly elevated in toads transplanted to the polluted site after 12 weeks. We hypothesize that high concentrations of various trace elements in the polluted site are responsible for these hormonal responses.

SREL Reprint #2219

Hopkins, W. A., M. T. Mendonca, and J. D. Congdon. 1997. Increased circulating levels of testosterone and corticosterone in Southern Toad, Bufo terrestris, exposed to coal combustion waste. General and Comparative Endocrinology 108:237-246.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).