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Updated: Aug 2, 2026
07:08
Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Unmasking the truth behind endocrine disruptors
Michele Lamse DiDiego1, Julia A Eggert, Rosanne H Pruitt
1School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, USA.
The Nurse Practitioner
|October 12, 2005
Summary
Environmental endocrine disruptors (EnDs) may be causing increased reproductive cancers and developmental issues. Identifying these substances offers a chance to reduce environmental risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Rising rates of reproductive cancers and developmental problems over 70 years suggest environmental factors.
- Wildlife and laboratory studies indicate endocrine disruptors (EnDs) as potential causes.
- EnDs are foreign substances altering endocrine system function, found in various environmental media.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential role of environmental endocrine disruptors in reproductive cancers and developmental problems.
- To highlight research opportunities for decreasing modifiable risk factors associated with EnDs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing wildlife and laboratory studies on endocrine disruptors.
- Analysis of environmental contamination sources (food, water, soil, air).
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a correlation between EnD exposure and adverse reproductive/developmental outcomes.
- EnDs are widespread environmental contaminants affecting the endocrine system.
Conclusions:
- Environmental endocrine disruptors are a suspected cause of increased reproductive cancers and developmental problems.
- Further research into EnDs is crucial for identifying and mitigating environmental health risks.
Related Concept Videos
01:45Endocrine Signaling
Endocrine cells produce hormones to communicate with remote target cells found in other organs. The hormone reaches these distant areas using the circulatory system. This exposes the whole organism to the hormone but only those cells expressing hormone receptors or target cells are affected. Thus, endocrine signaling induces slow responses from its target cells but these effects also last longer.
00:46What is the Endocrine System?
The endocrine system sends hormones—chemical signals—through the bloodstream to target cells—the cells the hormones selectively affect. These signals are produced in endocrine cells, secreted into the extracellular fluid, and then diffuse into the blood. Eventually, they diffuse out of the blood and bind to target cells which have specialized receptors to recognize the hormones.
01:10An Overview of the Endocrine System
The endocrine system, a complex network of glands, orchestrates physiological balance within the body through the production and secretion of hormones. These hormones are chemical messengers in intercellular communication, acting as conduits between the secretory cells and distant target sites. They traverse the circulatory system by being released into the extracellular fluid, and their impact is specific to cells possessing receptors for a particular hormone.
The endocrine system collaborates...
The endocrine system collaborates...
00:59Structures of the Endocrine System
The intricate framework of the endocrine system encompasses a diverse array of glands, with their target tissues and organs strategically distributed throughout the body. Central to this network are the endocrine glands, specialized structures that lack ducts and release hormones directly into the interstitial fluid. Notably, the hypothalamus, a vital neuroendocrine organ situated in the brain, governs neural functions and serves as a potent source of hormonal regulation. Near the hypothalamus...
01:08Chemical Signaling in the Endocrine System
A signaling cascade is a series of events that facilitates the transmission of information within or between cells, culminating in a targeted response in the recipient cell. As chemical messengers, hormones are pivotal in initiating and modulating these intricate signaling cascades based on their solubility.
Lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroid hormones, demonstrate an intracellular action. These hormones traverse cell membranes due to their lipid nature. Once inside the target cell, they...
Lipid-soluble hormones, such as steroid hormones, demonstrate an intracellular action. These hormones traverse cell membranes due to their lipid nature. Once inside the target cell, they...
01:22Target Cell Response to Hormones
Hormones intricately bind to receptors on the surface or within target cells, initiating a cascade of cellular responses.
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...
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...