VIBS 222: Endocrine Disruptors

What are ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS?

Chemicals that interfere with the endocrine system

What are some of the PRIMARY endocrine organs?

Hypothalamus

pituitary gland

pineal gland

thyroid gland

adrenal gland

What is the role of the HYPOTHALAMUS?

links endocrine system to brain

driver of the pituitary gland

What is the role of the THYMUS?

t cell development

immune responses

What is the role of the ADRENAL gland?

secretes adrenaline

regulates BP and glucose

What is the role of the PANCREAS?

helps regulate blood sugar

What are some COMMON endocrine disruptors?

atrazine

BPA

dioxins

pthalates

What is DIETHYLSTILBESTROL (DES)?

synthetic estrogen

thought to prevent miscarriage

What happened with DES?

prenatal exposure inked to development of vaginal cancer in daughters whose mothers took DES

What are some ways REPRODUCTIVE toxicity is expressed?

altered sexual behavior

decreased fertility

loss of fetus

What is one SUBCATEGORY of reproductive toxicology?

developmental toxicity

What % of women are exposed to known TERATOGENS in the workplace?

17%

What are some ways reproductive toxicants affect WOMEN?

changes in fertility, gestation time, pregnancy outcomes and lactation

What are some ways reproductive toxicants affect MEN?

changes in sperm count or shape

decreased fertility

What FACTORS determine the effects of toxicants on repro systems?

timing and intensity of exposure to endocrine system

susceptibility of target tissues

duration and amount of exposure

What are some toxicants that affect the CNS?

synthetic steroids

sedatives

lead

agents used to treat cancer

What % of WORKING women are of reproductive age?

75%

What % of women are employed during their PREGNANCY?

63%

What factors can alter female REPRODUCTION?

chemicals

age

STDs

hormone imbalance

Who discovered DDT?

Paul Hermann Muller