The effect of cadmium on steroidogenesis by testes of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri.

Testes of the rainbow trout were incubated in the presence of 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 5 mM cadmium (Cd). Production of those steroids measured was stimulated by 0.05 and 0.5 mM cadmium. Yields of testosterone (T) and 11 beta-hydroxytestosterone (beta) were significantly increased at these concentrations, but there was little effect on glucuronyl transferase and 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme activities. Cd-induced alteration of the hormonal balance may result in perturbation of reproductive development.