Endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure and the American alligator: a review of the potential role of environmental estrogens on the immune system of a top trophic carnivore.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) alter cellular and organ system homeostasis by interfering with the body's normal physiologic processes. Numerous studies have identified environmental estrogens as modulators of EDC-related processes in crocodilians, notably in sex determination. Other broader studies have shown that environmental estrogens dysregulate normal immune function in mammals, birds, turtles, lizards, fish, and invertebrates; however, the effects of such estrogenic exposures on alligator immune function have not been elucidated. Alligators occupy a top trophic status, which may give them untapped utility as indicators of environmental quality. Environmental estrogens are also prevalent in the waters they occupy. Understanding the effects of these EDCs on alligator immunity is critical for managing and assessing changes in their health and is thus the focus of this review.
Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
John W
JW
Finger
Robert M
RM
Gogal
D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles; D000818:Animals; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000633:toxicity*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000633:toxicity*; D020387:Food Chain; D007107:Immune System / Q000187:drug effects*; D014481:United States
D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D004967:Estrogens