Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Methods to Test Endocrine Disruption in Drosophila melanogaster
Published on: July 3, 2019
[Perspectives on endocrine disruption]
N Olea1, M F Fernández, P Araque
1Laboratorio de Investigaciones Médicas, Hospital Clínico, Universidad de Granada. nolea@ugr.es
Abstract:
Two decades ago, reports of alterations in the reproductive function of some wild animal species and clear evidence of human and animal exposure to chemical substances with hormonal activity agonist and antagonist generated what is known now as the hypothesis of endocrine disruption. This is an emerging environmental health problem that has challenged some of the paradigms on which the control and regulation of the use of chemical compounds is based. The need to include in routine toxicology tests new research objectives that specifically refer to the development and growth of species and to the homeostasis and functionality of hormonal systems, has served to complicate both the evaluation of new compounds and the re-evaluation of existing ones. The repercussions on regulation and international trade have not taken long to be felt. On both sides of the Atlantic, screening systems for endocrine disrupters have been designed and established, and research programmes have been launched to characterise and quantify adverse effects on human and animal health and to develop preventive measures.
Related Concept Videos
Structures of the Endocrine System
Endocrine Signaling
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
What is the Endocrine System?
Regulation of Hormone Secretion
Humoral stimuli,...
The Endocrine System

