The effect of tributyltin upon steroid titres in the female dogwhelk, Nucella lapillus, and the development of imposex

Exposure of female Nucella lapillus to tributyltin (TBT) in seawater at a concentration of 40 ng Sn/litre led to accumulation of TBT in the tissues, and an increase in penis length compared to control animals. Investigation of the steroid concentrations by radioimmunoassay revealed a significant increase in testosterone after 28 days exposure to TBT. No significant effect was noted upon the amounts of progesterone or estradiol-17β. When...