Endocrine-disrupting Chemicals and Their Effects on Reproductive and Neurobiological Health

摘要

The endocrine system plays a critical role in regulating the functions of our bodies through the release of hormones from endocrine glands to control development, growth, reproduction, metabolism, and other physiological processes. Hormones also influence the brain; indeed, sex differences in gonadal hormones produced by the fetal gonads influence how neurons form synapses and develop into neural circuits that are sexually dimorphic [i.e., different between the sexes). Unfortunately, pervasive pollution of the environment with chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system, termed endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) has led to extensive, serious health consequences for both humans and wildlife. In this chapter we will review the literature concerning three major classes of EDCs: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates, and discuss their effects on reproductive and neurobiological health.