[Annelida] Control of oogenesis & vitellogenesis in annelids

[Terebella]

Hello Everyone

A potential graduate student approached me with an interest
in environmental estrogens which is a bit out of my
expertise. I have a departmental colleague with substantial
experience looking at vitellogenesis in fish, but I'm
hoping to find an invertebrate model that might be a good starting point for a master's theses project. I'm writing to the list because I need to get up to speed on endocrine control of oogenesis and induction of vitellogenin expression in annelids as quickly as I can. I would appreciate any information the group can provide or references that may be helpful.

How is oogenesis & vitellogenesis controlled in annelids?
Do annelids respond to exogenous estrogens?

I've read that Lumbriculus varigatus accumulates some forms of estrogen from spiked sediment. Has anyone looked at physiological effects?

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
 
Tracy
 
 
Tracy Whitford, Ph.D.
Department of Biological Sciences
East Stroudsburg University
East Stroudsburg, PA 18301