Antiandrogens as environmental endocrine disruptors.
Steroid hormone receptors control fundamental events in embryonic development and sex differentiation through their function as ligand-inducible transcription factors. The consequences of disrupting these processes can be especially profound during development due to the crucial role hormones play in controlling transient and irreversible developmental processes. Several environmental chemicals, including metabolites of the fungicide vinclozolin and the pesticide DDT, disrupt male reproductive development and function by inhibiting androgen receptor mediated events. A variety of in vitro and in vivo approaches have been used to determine the molecular basis of environmental antiandrogen toxicity. These chemicals commonly bind androgen receptor with moderate affinity and act as antagonists by inhibiting transcription of androgen dependent genes.
Kelce
W R
WR
Reproductive Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA. wkelce@med.unc.edu
Gray
L E
LE
Wilson
E M
EM
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D059002:Androgen Receptor Antagonists; D000728:Androgens / Q000502:physiology; D000818:Animals; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000502:physiology; D012733:Sex Differentiation / Q000502:physiology
D000726:Androgen Antagonists; D059002:Androgen Receptor Antagonists; D000728:Androgens; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D011944:Receptors, Androgen