Tributyltin impedes early sperm-egg interactions at the egg coat level in the ascidian Phallusia mammillata but does not prevent sperm-egg fusion in naked eggs

Adverse Effect of Antifouling Compounds on the Reproductive Mechanisms of the Ascidian Ciona intestinalis

“…Although this data are in agreement with Franchet et al [39], who demonstrated that TBT reduced voltage-dependent Na + currents up to 60% in the oocyte of the ascidian Phallusia mammilla , to our knowledge, a similar impact has not been previously documented for diuron. In the C. intestinalis oocytes, the reduction of Na + currents adds an important hint on the action of TBT and diuron on the reproductive processes due to the fundamental role played by Na + currents in the physiology of the mature oocyte.…”

Copper reduces fertilisation success and exacerbates Allee effects in the field

“…This sperm concentration-specific effect strongly suggests that copper reduces fertilisation success through the reduction of successful sperm-egg interactions (Millar & Anderson 2003). This reduction could come about due to copper killing sperm or reducing the efficiency of sperm-egg contacts (Franchet et al 1999). Regardless of the mechanism, this sperm concentration-dependent effect has a number of implications both for ecotoxicology and for the fertilisation ecology of broadcast spawners more generally.…”

“…Thus, it is difficult to determine whether the toxicant is affecting sperm viability, sperm-egg interactions (e.g. Franchet et al 1999), or the polyspermy block (e.g. Franchet et al 1997), all of which will manifest themselves in the same way-reduced fertilisation success (Millar & Anderson 2003).…”

The Ascidian Ciona Intestinalis as Model Organism for Ecotoxicological Bioassays

“…In this respect, a large body of literature reports the adverse impact of different type of stressors at the biochemical and cellular levels of ascidians inducing endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders with consequent fertilization success and reproductive fitness reduction and affecting in a long term even the survival of this cosmopolitan species [10][11][12][13][14][15].…”