EESA10H3 Lecture : information from lecture slides + information added by prof during lecture
13 Apr 2011
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Endocrine glands: organs in the body that produce hormones (hormones regulate many different very important processes in the body) Endocrine disruptors: chemicals that mimic hormones in our bodies to interfere with the functions of hormone glands. Endocrine disruptors also bind to hormone receptors and alter gene functions: indirectly/consequent effects of the disruptors: altered hormone production/transport/metabolism. Fetuses are more sensitive/susceptible to endocrine disruptors than adults: thyroid hormone affects mental brain development in fetuses. Synthetic estrogen used to prevent spontaneous abortion (1948-1971: taken by more than 1 million women from 1960 to 1970. Health issues that were potential results of endocrine disruptors: feminization of males, abnormal sexual behaviour, birth defects, altered puberty time (very early or very late), thyroid dysfunction. Pcbs: delayed the psychomotor development in humans, mental developments, learning disabilities, (greatly affect thyroid function: organophosphates: directly affect brain development; may cause brain damage and slow down brain development.
