| Abstract | Observed differences in various aspects of immune function between males are females are hypothesized to stem, in part, from differences in estrogen levels. Though estrogens are generally considered to enhance immune function, the extent to which estrogen influences various immune processes is not well characterized. The objective of the present study was to assess the impacts of decreased estrogen levels on immune function. Fadrozole hydrochloride, an aromatase inhibitor, was utilized to reduce estrogen levels within female fathead minnows. Immune function was assessed at three biological levels of organization, allowing for a holistic view of immune function impacts. Specifically, pathogen resistance, phagocytic cell activity, respiratory burst activity, leukocyte percentage, and the expression of genes associated with inflammation and complement were analyzed. It was hypothesized that the immune function of the fadrozole-exposed females would be detrimented. However, only phagocytic cell activity was significantly altered by the exposure. Thus, the present study provides limited evidence supporting the ability of estrogen levels to modulate immunity. |
