title: An overview of dioxin-like compounds, PCB, and pesticide exposures associated with sexual differentiation of neuroendocrine systems, fluctuating asymmetry, and behavioral effects in birds.
abstract: Dioxin, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and pesticides impact neural systems in birds due to interference with sexual differentiation. Early endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) effects may delay maturation and have long-term effects on lifetime reproduction, especially in precocial birds that complete sexual differentiation prior to hatch. Semi-altricial and altricial species appear more resilient to EDC effects and show a gradient in sensitivity, especially in the neuroplastic song system. Embryonic steroid exposure occurs via maternally deposited steroids followed by embryo produced hormones; EDCs potentially affect these developing systems. As such, EDCs can impact lifelong fitness by acting on neural systems that regulate reproduction, metabolism, and behavior.
authors: Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA. maottinger@umresearch.umd.edu
authors: Mary Ann
authors: MA
authors: Ottinger
authors: Emma T
authors: ET
authors: Lavoie
authors: Mahmoud
authors: M
authors: Abdelnabi
authors: Michael J
authors: MJ
authors: Quinn
authors: Allegra
authors: A
authors: Marcell
authors: Karen
authors: K
authors: Dean
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001717:Birds / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000196:embryology / Q000254:growth & development*; D004147:Dioxins / Q000633:toxicity; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000187:drug effects; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000187:drug effects*; D010575:Pesticides / Q000633:toxicity; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000633:toxicity; D012733:Sex Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D004147:Dioxins; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D010575:Pesticides; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls