Antiestrogenic activity of anthropogenic and natural chemicals.
A number of natural and man-made chemicals possess antiestrogenic activity, i.e. they antagonize a broad spectrum of estrogen-induced responses in vertebrates. Examples of antiestrogens include dioxin, furan and PCB congeners, certain PAHs, pesticides and indol-3-carbinol derivatives. Major mechanisms of anti-estrogenicity are antagonistic action of chemicals at the estrogen receptor, or binding of chemicals to the arylhydrocarbon (Ah) receptor and subsequent interaction with estrogen-responsive genes. Toxicological consequences resulting from antiestrogenic activity have not been conclusively demonstrated to date, although antiestrogenic compounds could critically affect sensitive reproductive and developmental processes.
Navas
J M
JM
Department of Chemical Ecotoxicology, UFZ Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstr. 15, D-04318, Leipzig, Germany.
Segner
H
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