Home > Detection of estradiol-17-beta during a mass coral spawn
Detection of estradiol-17-beta during a mass coral spawn
| Title | Detection of estradiol-17-beta during a mass coral spawn |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 1992 |
| Authors | Atkinson, S, Atkinson MJ |
| Journal | Coral Reefs |
| Volume | 11 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pagination | 33 - 35 |
| Date Published | 4/1992 |
| ISSN | 1432-0975 |
| Keywords | coral, other |
| Abstract | The steroid estradiol-17beta (E2) is associated with female gametogenesis in all vertebrates and many invertebrates. This is the first report of estrogens in scleractinian corals. Seawater and egg slicks were collected during a mass coral spawn at Ningaloo reef, Western Australia for the measurement of total phosphate (TP) and E2. Total P in the water column increased 600 times, from 0.5mgrM to 300mgrM. Concentrations of E2 increased nearly 8 fold during the spawn, from 55 to 420 pg/100 ml seawater. Coral eggs collected from egg slicks contained 368±40 pg E2/g dry wt of eggs. Estrogen may be a key hormone in a simple endocrine system of scleractinian corals that synchronizes growth and development of coral oocytes. Its potential role in triggering spawning via chemical messengers in the water column warrants further research. |
| URL | http://www.springerlink.com/content/m339h3v83p6j2437/ |
| DOI | 10.1007/BF00291932 |
| Short Title | Coral Reefs |
| Refereed Designation | Refereed |
