Dr Tamsin Runnalls

Qualifications

• 2005: PhD Pharmaceuticals in the Environment: Effects of Clofibric acid on fish. Brunel University.
• 1998: MSc Applied Fish Biology, Plymouth University.
• 1996: BSc (Hons) Fisheries Studies, Plymouth University.

Career

1998-2000 Research Technician

I was originally employed at Brunel as a research technician in the Fish Physiology Research group (as it was then) for 2 years, (1998-2000) under John Sumpter, where I was helping to developing a pair breeding assay for assessing the effects of estrogenic chemicals on fish.

Harries, J.E., Runnalls, T, Hill, E., Harris, C.A., Maddix, S, Sumpter, J.P., Tyler, C.R. (2000) Development of a reproductive performance test for endocrine disrupting chemicals using pair-breeding fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Environmental Science and Technology, 34: 3003-3011.

2000-2004 PhD

After this I started my PhD (2000-2004) entitled 'Pharmaceuticals in the Environment: The effects of Clofibric acid on fihs.' In which I was examining the effects of a lipid lowering drug metabolite (Clofibric acid) on fhis. Some of the results can be seen in my publication in Aquatic Toxicology:

Runnalls, T. J., Hala, D.N., and Sumpter, J.P. (2007) Preliminary studies into the effects of the human pharmaceutical Clorfibric acid on sperm parameters in adult Fathead minnow. Aquatic Toxicology, 84 111-118.

The media were also interested in the results:

Steve Farrar (2004) Cast-off drugs harm wildlife. The Times Higher Education Supplement. 21st May 2004.

2003-2004 Post Doc

Whilst working on my PhD thesis I was also involved (December 2003 - September 2004) in a large EU grant project: 'ACE', where I was covering a Post doc position (Dr Cath Harris who was on maternity leave). The project aimed to contribute to the hazard assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals by analysing the response of biological systems (both in vitro and in aquatic species in vivo) to mixtures of xenoestrogens.

Jayne V. Brian, Catherine A. Harris, Martin Scholze, Thomas Backhaus, Petra Booy, Marja Lamoree, Giulio Pojana, Niels Jonkers, Tamsin Runnalls, Angela Bonf‡, Antonio Marcomini, and John P. Sumpter (2005). Accurate Prediction of the Response of Freshwater Fish to a Mixture of Estrogenic Chemicals. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113: 6.

2004-2007 Post Doc

From October 2004 - May 2007 I was involved in another big EU funded grant called EDEN - where I was trying to develop a biomarker for detecting estrogenic chemicals in the aquatic environment, (by making an estrogen responsive glowing fish).

2007-2008 Post Doc

From March 2007 - November 2008 I was been involved with the EDCAT project, (Endocrine Disruption in Catchments). This is an inter-disciplinary research programme designed to measure the effects of endocrine-active pollutants on fish populations. http://www.ceh.ac.uk/science/EDCAT7.html

2008- present Post Doc

A new project I am involved in (Nov 2008 - ) is looking into the effects of progestogens on fish, a grant funded by DEFRA: Intelligent Ecotoxicology: Synthetic progestogens as a test case.

Research Projects

I am currently investigating the effects of progestogens (which are also found in many of the contraceptive pills) on fish, a grant funded by DEFRA: Intelligent Ecotoxicology: Synthetic progestogens as a test case.

P. Paulos; T. Runnalls; D. Hala; G. Nallani; B. Venables; T. La Point; J. Sumpter; D. Huggett (2008) Effects of Norethindrone, A Synthetic Progestin, on Reproductive Parameters in Fish. SETAC North America 29th Annual Meeting Tampa, Florida, USA.

Peter Paulos, Tamsin J Runnalls, Gopi Nallani, Tom .La Point, Alexander P. Scott, John P Sumpter, Duane B. Huggett (Submitted 2010) Reproductive Responses in Fathead Minnow and Japanese Medaka Following Exposure to a synthetic progestin, Norethindrone. Aquatic Toxicology.

Synthetic progestins, such as Norethindrone, are common ingredients in oral contraceptives. Given the widespread use of oral contraceptives, it is not surprising that reports have identified several progestins in aquatic environments. In fish, synthetic progestins play an important role in the regulation of ovulation and serve as a key function in spermatogenesis. Given the pivotal role that progestins play in reproduction, their dose (often > 1mg/d) and daily use pattern, it is important to understand the hazard these compounds pose once discharged into the aquatic environment. Since little data are available on this class of compounds, our research will focus on the effect of progestogens on the fathead minnow. A reproduction study recently carried out using the Fathead minnow has indicated that Norethindrone produces a significant decrease in reproduction at the low ng/L range. These data highlight the need for further research of synthetic progestogens to be carried out.