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Updated: Apr 7, 2026
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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
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Gestational bisphenol A exposure and testis development.
Cecilia Williams1, Maria Bondesson1, Dimitry N Krementsov2
1Center for Nuclear Receptors and Cell Signaling; Department of Biology and Biochemistry; University of Houston, Houston, TX USA.
Endocrine Disruptors (Austin, Tex.)
|July 14, 2015
Summary
Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure during pregnancy may harm male fetal development. Animal and in vitro studies suggest BPA disrupts reproductive health, warranting further investigation into human gestational exposure effects.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Toxicology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Bisphenol A (BPA) is ubiquitous, acting as an estrogen receptor ligand.
- Fetal development involves sensitive reproductive processes influenced by hormones.
- Placental metabolism limits fetal exposure to endogenous estrogens, unlike exogenous BPA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential effects of BPA exposure on male reproductive health.
- To evaluate whether gestational BPA exposure adversely affects male testis development.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing animal and in vitro studies.
- Analysis of BPA's interaction with estrogen receptors during fetal development.
Main Results:
- Animal and in vitro studies provide evidence of BPA influencing male reproductive development.
- BPA crosses the placenta, potentially impacting sensitive fetal stages.
Conclusions:
- Gestational BPA exposure may pose risks to male reproductive development.
- Further research is needed to establish a consensus on human gestational BPA exposure effects.
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