Work

Early Developmental Actions of Endocrine Disruptors on the Hypothalamus, Hippocampus, and Cerebral Cortex

Year: 2011

Type: review

Abstract: Sex steroids and thyroid hormones play a key role in the development of the central nervous system. The critical role of these hormonal systems may explain the sensitivity of the hypothalamus, the cerebral cortex, and the hippocampus to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC). This review examines the evidence for endocrine disruption of glial-neuronal functions in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex. Focus was placed on two well-studied EDC, the insecticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). DDT is involved in neuroendocrine disruption of the reproductive axis, whereas polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) interact with both the thyroid hormone- and sex steroid-dependent systems and disturb the neuroendocrine control of reproduction and development of hippocampus and cortex. These results highlight the impact of EDC on the developing nervous system and the need for more research in this area.

Source: Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Part B

DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2011.578556

Authors: Anne-Simone Parent, Elise Naveau, Arlette Gerard, Jean-Pierre Bourguignon, Gary L. Westbrook

Institutions: University of Liège, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, Vollum Institute

Language: English

Topic: Effects and risks of endocrine disrupting chemicals

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke