This study reports the transcriptional activity of fin (Balaenoptera physalus) and blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) peroxisome proliferator-activated
receptor γ (PPARG), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and thyroid
hormone receptor β (THRB), when exposed to 14 persistent organic
pollutants (so-called “legacy” persistent organic pollutants
(POPs)) and a synthetic mixture of POPs, using GAL4-UAS-based in vitro luciferase reporter gene assays. Polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) had both agonistic and antagonistic effects on PPARG
and GR, and mainly antagonistic, except for PCB153, effects on THRB.
1,1,1-Trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT)
and its metabolites had mainly antagonistic effects on all of the
receptors, except for o,p′-DDT. Given that the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of PPARG is the
same in killer whales, white whales, polar bears, and humans, and
that GR–LBD is identical in killer whales and minke whales
and that the LBD of THRB is the same in killer whales, white whales,
and humans, it is likely that the results of this study are representative
for these other species as well. It is important to note that several
environmental pollutants modulated the transcriptional activity of
tested nuclear receptors at environmentally relevant concentrations
for whales.