Concentrations of phthtalates and their potential to transactivate nuclear receptors in marine mammals from the Norwegian Arctic

Phthalate diester concentrations were measured in blubber/adipose tissue of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus) sampled from the Barents and Greenland seas. Additionally, plasma samples from polar bears were analysed for total concentrations of phthalate monoester metabolites including their free and glucuronated forms. In vitro reporter gene assays were used to assess transcriptional activity of fin whale nuclear receptors by selected phthalates. Membrane integrity and metabolic activity were monitored as a measure for the viability of the cells used for reportor gene assays.