Robert A. Angus

Research Description:

Current research interests include:

Endocrine Disruptors in the Environment - I have been involved, with students and colleagues, in numerous studies using the mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) as a model organism for evaluating the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Expression of the (normally female-limited) vitellogenin gene in males is used to test chemicals for estrogenic activity. A morphological trait (modified anal fin called a gonopodium) is used to test for androgenic activity. Initial studies characterized the responses of the fish to chemicals with known hormonal activity. The mosquitofish bioassay system has also been used to evaluate other chemicals suspected of having endocrine-disrupting activity. Other studies have evaluated the relationships between morphological responses to endocrine disruptors (i.e. biomarkers) and the effects on reproductive fitness. These studies respond to a recognized need for sensitive assay systems for chemicals that have hormone-like activity and may disrupt the endocrine systems of humans and wildlife.

Effects of urban development in a watershed on aquatic habitat quality and biological diversity in rivers - These studies, in collaboration with Dr. Ken Marion of our department and several graduate students, employ EPA-recommended methods to assess the quality of the aquatic habitat and biological diversity (fish and macroinvertebrates) at numerous sites on rivers in the Birmingham, AL vicinity. Some rivers in the Birmingham vicinity (e.g. Five Mile Creek) have been impacted by pollution from industrial activity. Others (e.g. Cahaba River) are being impacted by urban development in the watershed. The major objectives are (a) to provide baseline information on the current biological status of the aquatic communities so that changes, either in response to remediation measures or to further development can be quantified; (b) to identify the most severe stressors on aquatic systems and (c) devise ways in which they may be minimized in the future.

Representative Publications:

Stanko, J.P., Angus, RA. 2007. In vivo assessment of the capacity of androstenedione to masculinize female mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) exposed through dietary and static renewal methods. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 26(5):920-926.

Estes, E.C.J., Katholi, C.R., and Angus, R.A. 2006. Elevated fluctuating asymmetry in eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) from a river receiving paper mill effluent. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. 25(4):1026-1033.

Angus, R.A., Stanko, J.P., Jenkins, R.L., and Watson, R.D. 2005. Effects of 17alpha-ethynylestradiol on sexual development of male western mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis). Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology, Part C, 140:330-339.

Stanko, J.P., and Angus, R.A. 2005. Paper manufacture and its impact on the aquatic environment. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 185:67-92.

Jenkins, R.L., Wilson, E.M., Angus, R.A., Howell, W.M., Kirk, M., Moore, R, Nance, M., and Brown, A. 2004. Production of androgens by microbial transformation of progesterone in vitro: a model for androgen production in rivers receiving paper mill effluent. Environmental Health Perspectives 112: 1508-1511.

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