1. Institute of Hydrobiology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632; 2. Institute of Aquatic Technology and Environmental Resources Protection, Shantou University, Shantou 515063; 3. Aquatic Bureau of Shantou City, Shantou 515031
Imposex of marine temale gastropods is induced by the pollution of organotin compounds. The present study reported the histological characters of male sex organs from male and imposex individuals of prosobranchs Mauritia arabica, Chicoreus brunneus and Conus betulinus. There were two types of vas deferens and penis found among the species, one is open,and another is closed. Based on the present and previous studies, the closed type evolves from the open. Although no significant differences were histologically observed in male sex organs between male and irnposex individuals, imposex individuals do not have male reproductive function because of its incomplete male genital system, e.g., lack of testis and prostate. Since endocrine disrupting chemicals have more or less similar effects on human and animals, we should attach great importance to imposex of marine gastropods.
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