Pesticides endocrine -related effects

L-Tyrosine metabohsm and catecholamine biosynthesis occur largely in the brain, central nervous tissue, and endocrine system, which have large pools of L-ascorbic acid (128). Catecholamine, a neurotransmitter, is the precursor in the formation of dopamine, which is converted to noradrenaline and adrenaline. The precise role of ascorbic acid has not been completely understood. Ascorbic acid has important biochemical functions with various hydroxylase enzymes in steroid, dmg, andhpid metabohsm. The cytochrome P-450 oxidase catalyzes the conversion of cholesterol to bUe acids and the detoxification process of aromatic dmgs and other xenobiotics, eg, carcinogens, poUutants, and pesticides, in the body (129). The effects of L-ascorbic acid on histamine metabohsm related to scurvy and anaphylactic shock have been investigated (130). Another ceUular reaction involving ascorbic acid is the conversion of folate to tetrahydrofolate. Ascorbic acid has many biochemical functions which affect the immune system of the body (131). 

Endocrine and immunologic related adverse effects of pesticides are another example of an area where we need toxicologic testing methods that will detect both acute and chronic toxicity and provide a reliable basis for predicting human effects. Before we add new protocols to the current methodology, however, we need to evaluate the answers provided by our current methodology. 

Carbon disulfide is widely used in production of rayon, carbon tetrachloride, rubber chemicals and cellulose film, and is a by-product of widely used dithiocarbamate pesticides. Chronic low level and long term exposure to CS2 can cause eye, ear, cardiovascular, nervous system and reproductive effects (Tan et al., 2001), (WHO Criteria 10, 1979), (Kaloyanova, 1981). There are scientific reports that the long term exposure to low concentrations of CS2 is related to endocrine disturbances as well (Lancranian I. et al., 1972) (Lyubomirova K. et al., 2006). Carbon disulfide is mostly used in viscose industry to yield sodium cellulose xanthate from alkali cellulose. (Tan et al., 2001). 

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