Reproductive failure and endocrine disruption by organohalogens in fish-eating birds.
Effects of organohalogens in fish-eating birds in the field have been monitored largely by studying reproductive outcome in contaminated populations or, at the individual level, by studying the sexual behaviour, egg production, or embryonal and postnatal development and survival. Endocrine disruption has been suggested as a mechanism, but proven cause-effect relationships between specific compounds and endocrine disruption with subsequent reduced reproductive outcome in fish-eating birds are scarce. The effects of organochlorines on hormone metabolism and circulating steroid levels are reviewed and discussed in relation to observed reproductive failures in the field.
Bosveld
Albertus T C
AT
Alterra, Wageningen University and Research Centre, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands. a.t.c.bosveld@alterra.wag-ur.nl
van den Berg
Martin
M
D000818:Animals; D001717:Birds / Q000502:physiology*; D002645:Chickens; D004032:Diet; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000187:drug effects*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D005399:Fishes / Q000378:metabolism*; D006846:Hydrocarbons, Halogenated / Q000633:toxicity*; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000633:toxicity; D012098:Reproduction / Q000187:drug effects*
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D006846:Hydrocarbons, Halogenated; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins