Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals and neurodevelopmental alterations.
The developing brain is remarkably malleable as neural circuits are formed and these circuits are strongly dependent on hormones for their development. For those reasons, the brain is very vulnerable to the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) during critical periods of development. This review focuses on three ubiquitous endocrine disruptors that are known to disrupt the thyroid function and are associated with neurobehavioral deficits: polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and bisphenol A. The human and rodent data suggesting effects of those EDCs on memory, cognition, and social behavior are discussed. Their mechanisms of action go beyond relative hypothyroidism with effects on neurotransmitter release and calcium signaling.
Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium.
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A
Pinson
Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium.
J P
JP
Bourguignon
Neuroendocrinology Unit, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium.
A S
AS
Parent
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds / Q000633:toxicity; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors / Q000633:toxicity*; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D010636:Phenols / Q000633:toxicity; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000633:toxicity; D012919:Social Behavior; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000187:drug effects*; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D052244:Endocrine Disruptors; D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; D010636:Phenols; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls; C006780:bisphenol A; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
development; endocrine disruptors; hormones