Deck 21: Toxicity to Neuroendocrine Organs and Endocrine Disruption

Question 1

Why is vitellogenin expression a measure of endocrine disruption?

Answer 1

This yolk protein should not be present in males and should not be overproduced in females. Feminization is a sign of estrogenic endocrine disruption.

Question 2

What is a good model of thyroid disruption?

Answer 2

Frog metamorphosis as thyroid disruptors make for large tadpoles who don't metamorphose into frogs.

Question 3

What discontinued persistent chlorinated pesticide affected GnRH?

Answer 3

More than the known action of the hard plastic bottle chemical bisphenol A, DDT was the pesticide that stimulated glutamate-evoked GnRH release.

Question 4

The adrenal effects could just be a stress response. How can a scientist differentiate between stress and endocrine disruption in this organ?