8.3 Endocrine Disruptors

endocrine disruptors

• mimic hormones causing overstimulation or

• bind to a receptor within a cell and block the real hormone, stopping response

synthetic chemicals

used as

• industrial solvents/lubricants and their byproducts

  • polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

  • polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs)

• plastics and plastizers

  • bisphenol A (BPA)

  • phthalates

• pesticides and fungicides

• parhmaceuticals

natural chemicals

in foods

* phytoestrogens found in soy

endocrine system function

any chemical that interferes with the production, transport, metabolism, or function of hormones in bodies

hormones are associated with homestasis, reproduction, and development

• estrogen

• testerone

• insulin

• serotonin

• norepinephrine

mimic

endocrine disruptors can ___ the structure of a signaling chemical that would normally bind with a cell receptor or trigger a cellular response

block the signal

endocrine disruptors can also ______ from reaching the receptor or block the transduction cascade

* consequences: reproductive abnormalities, birth and developmental defects, Behavorial changes

top level consumers

these are most impacted in the food chain when endocrine disruptors enter waterways