A Strategy for the Detection of Endocrine Disruption

A proper assessment of the ability of chemicals, or mixtures of chemicals, to act as endocrine disrupters requires a multi-tiered approach which is able to identify mechanisms, give early warning of adverse effects and identify which of these effects is likely to be ecologically relevant. A strategy has been proposed by Depledge and Billinghurst and is outlined below. [Pg.59]

Culture a range of invertebrate species from the major phyla, preferably species with short life cycles. The effects of potential endocrine disrupting chemicals on growth rate, reproductive output, viability of offspring and sex ratio, and the vulnerability of different stages of the life cycle, can then be determined. [Pg.59]

Develop biomarkers of endocrine disruption. F iirther evidence of endocrine disruption is required in addition to population parameters. Biochemical and histopathological biomarkers are required to identify which hormone systems are affected. [Pg.59]

Conradi and M.H. Depledge, Sci. Total Environ., 1999, in press. [Pg.59]

Shimizu, W. Saikawa and N. Fusetani, Comp. Biochem. Physiol. B, 1996, 115, 111. [Pg.59]

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