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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
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In vivo Characterization of Endocrine Disrupting Chemical Effects via Thyroid Hormone Action Indicator Mouse
Published on: October 6, 2023
Endocrine disruptors and thyroid hormone physiology
Mary-Line Jugan1, Yves Levi, Jean-Paul Blondeau
1Univ Paris-Sud 11, Faculté de Pharmacie, Laboratoire Santé Publique-Environnement, 92290 Châtenay-Malabry, France. maryjugan@yahoo.fr
Biochemical Pharmacology
|November 17, 2009
Summary
Man-made endocrine disruptors interfere with hormones. This review highlights thyroid-disrupting chemicals and their suspected links to impaired human central nervous system development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Endocrinology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Endocrine disruptors are exogenous chemicals that interfere with hormonal systems.
- While sex hormone disruption is well-studied, thyroid hormone disruption is an emerging concern.
- Thyroid hormone homeostasis is critical for mammalian neurological development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey key thyroid-disrupting chemicals (TDCs).
- To examine the suspected links between TDCs and impaired human central nervous system (CNS) development.
- To review the mechanisms by which TDCs affect thyroid hormone receptor activity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Identification and categorization of prominent TDCs.
- Analysis of studies investigating TDC effects on thyroid hormone homeostasis and CNS development.
Main Results:
- Polychlorinated biphenyls, perchlorates, and brominated flame retardants are identified as significant TDCs.
- Evidence suggests a relationship between exposure to these TDCs and disruptions in thyroid hormone signaling.
- These disruptions are suspected to contribute to impaired neurological development.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid hormone disruption by environmental chemicals poses a risk to human CNS development.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and extent of TDC-induced neurodevelopmental deficits.
- Identifying and mitigating exposure to TDCs is crucial for protecting public health.
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