Post-embryonic development effect of Bisphenol A and Tributyltin effects in Ciona intestinalis

In the present study we have determined the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals such as Tributyltin (TBT) and Bisphenol-A (BPA) in juvenile Ciona intestinalis (Ascidiacea, Urochordata). The interest in Urochordata is due to its close phylogenetic relation to vertebrates. Moreover, in the juvenile the organs of a form similar to the adult form are present and they can easily be studied for the eventual morphological alterations that can be induced under stress conditions. Juvenile Ciona intestinalis of 4 days post fertilization were incubated for 1 h at increasing concentrations of either TBT or BPA solutions (0.1, 1 and 10 μM). The morphology of several organs was altered in a concentration-dependent manner in both TBT and BPA treated animals. BPA seems to be more toxic than TBT, destroying the tunic, the gonad cells and inhibiting the rhythmic body contractions. The TBT and BPA induced toxicity on the gonads is in agreement with previous data demonstrating that many chemicals can endanger ...