Efficient testing strategies for evaluation of xenobiotics with neuroendocrine activity.
Maturation of neuroendocrine regulations is an extremely complex process made up of several stages, that can be permanently affected by any exogenous substances able to interfere with the hormonal signalling at various levels. The Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are a heterogeneous group of xenobiotics with potential endocrine activities which have been identified as priority risk factors in toxicological research. The present review is aimed at suggesting a number of endocrine and behavioural endpoints to be used in experimental studies to: (i) characterize more thoroughly the functional effects of developmental exposure to agents known to act as endocrine disruptors and (ii) unmask possible interferences with the maturation of the hypothalamus-hypophysis-gonad/thyroid (HHG/Th) axis by different class of xenobiotics not considered as EDCs. A combined testing strategy, considering both markers of endocrine/hormonal maturation and behavioural endpoints under hormonal control in laboratory rodents, may evidence even subtle perturbations of the neuroendocrine homeostasis, that often go undetected.
Calamandrei
Gemma
G
Section of Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, I-0016 Roma, Italy. gemma.calamandrei@iss.it
Maranghi
Francesca
F
Venerosi
Aldina
A
Alleva
Enrico
E
Mantovani
Alberto
A
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects*; D012733:Sex Differentiation; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods*; D015262:Xenobiotics / Q000633:toxicity
D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D015262:Xenobiotics