US EPA

6956492 

Journal Article 

Review 

Gestational exposure to common endocrine disrupting chemicals and their impact on neurodevelopment and behavior 

Nesan, D; Kurrasch, DM 

2020 

Yes 

Annual Review of Physiology
ISSN: 0066-4278
EISSN: 1545-1585 

82 

177-202 

English 

31738670 

10.1146/annurev-physiol-021119-034555 

WOS:000513490800009 

Endocrine disrupting chemicals are common in our environment and act on hormone systems and signaling pathways to alter physiological homeostasis. Gestational exposure can disrupt developmental programs, permanently altering tissues with impacts lasting into adulthood. The brain is a critical target for developmental endocrine disruption, resulting in altered neuroendocrine control of hormonal signaling, altered neurotransmitter control of nervous system function, and fundamental changes in behaviors such as learning, memory, and social interactions. Human cohort studies reveal correlations between maternal/fetal exposure to endocrine disruptors and incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we summarize the major literature findings of endocrine disruption of neurodevelopment and concomitant changes in behavior by four major endocrine disruptor classes:bisphenol A, polychlorinated biphenyls, organophosphates, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. We specifically review studies of gestational and/or lactational exposure to understand the effects of early life exposure to these compounds and summarize animal studies that help explain human correlative data. 

endocrine disruption; brain; bisphenol A; polychlorinated biphenyls; organophosphates; polybrominated diphenyl ethers