Vitellogenin induction as biomarker of exposure to xenoestrogenic compounds in the clam Tapes philippinarum: experiments with 4-nonylphenol.

With the aim of validating vitellogenin (Vg)-like proteins induction as biomarker of exposure to xenoestrogenic compounds in bivalve molluscs, laboratory experiments were performed on the clam Tapes philippinarum. Among contaminants, 4-nonylphenol was chosen, because of its well-known estrogenic potential to aquatic organisms and widespread presence in aquatic environments. The results obtained highlight that NP can induce Vg synthesis in clams far from their reproductive period, acting at lower concentrations when the time of exposure to the contaminant increases.