[Research trace of endocrine-disrupting chemicals]

A large number of endocrine-disrupting chemicals(EDCs) show an estrogen-like action on the genital organs. Estrogen causes two kinds of irreversible changes in the reproductive system when given in fetal and early-postnatal period in mammals: change in the hypothalamo-hypophysio-gonadal system and change in the genital organ per se resulting in tumorigenesis. Natural and synthetic estrogens including some EDCs also give rise to permanent changes in various physiologically important systems in rodents exposed to them at developing period. The research trace reaching the finding of EDCs-phenomena indicates a successful approach to the achievement produced by the consistent, unfashionable and fundamental studies carried out for a long period of time.