Degree Name
MS (Master of Science)
Program
Biology
Date of Award
5-2005
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
J. Leonard Robertson
Committee Members
Thomas F. Laughlin, W. David Currie
Abstract
Sex reversal in fish can occur as a result of disturbances in natural conditions or laboratory manipulations. Trenbolone Acetate (TBA), a synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroid used mainly in the cattle industry, was applied to female Betta splendens, a sexually dimorphic fish. Previously, females were analyzed for secondary sex characteristics after treatment with TBA, increased temperature, or a combination of both. This study focused on primary sex characteristics by histological examination. Gonads were surgically removed and prepared following basic histological techniques. Following H&E staining, sections were observed for signs of ovarian regression, as well as signs of testicular formation. The presence of TBA significantly reduced the size of the gonad and the number and size of vitellogenic oocytes, indicating a loss of ovarian function. Temperature had a synergistic effect on TBA, as more oocytes were atretic and interstitial tissue was more abundant, some with clear spermatocysts. Temperature alone had no significant effect.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Smith, Tracy S., "Primary Sex Reversal in Female Betta splendens following Treatments with Temperature and Trenbolone Acetate." (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 982. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/982
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.