University of Kentucky Research Committee Grant
Title: A Multispecies Comparison of the Effects of Endocrine Disruptors
Investigator: Brent D. Palmer, Biological Sciences.
Project period: July 1, 2001 - June 31, 2002
Project Amount: $5,000
A number of manmade chemicals released into the environment mimic the female hormone estrogen. These compounds include numerous industrial chemicals and pesticides that have the unintentional side effect of acting like estrogen once inside the body. These “environmental estrogens” or “endocrine disruptors” can have harmful effects on development and reproduction of wildlife and humans. However, each species has unique anatomical and physiological features that influence their responses to these compounds. These differences among species affect their relative sensitivities to xenobiotic exposure.
Results from this research will provide information on sensitive species that may serve as bioindicators in the field or as models for laboratory-based studies of endocrine disruption. By understanding differences in how species respond to endocrine disruptors, future studies can focus on differing mechanisms of action among species. This research will provide needed information for risk assessment by providing information on the relative sensitivities of diverse species now used to screen compounds for endocrine disrupting effects.