US EPA

733408 

Journal Article 

Abstract 

Cognitive effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals 

Schantz, SL; Widholm, JJ 

2003 

1 

Reproductive Toxicology
ISSN: 0890-6238
EISSN: 1873-1708 

DART/TER/3001709 

17 

4 

481 

English 

A large number of chemical pollutants including phthalates, alkylphenolic compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, organochlorine pesticides, bisphenol-A and metals, including lead, mercury and cadmium, have the ability to disrupt endocrine function in animals. Some of these same chemicals have been shown to alter cognitive function in animals and/or humans. Because hormonally mediated events play a central role in CNS development and function, a number of researchers have speculated that the changes in cognitive function are mediated by the endocrine-like actions of these chemicals. This talk will review the evidence that cognitive effects of chemicals classified as environmental endocrine disruptors are mediated by changes in hormonal function. The role of gonadal steroids, thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids in brain development and brain function will be summarized. Then the endocrine changes and cognitive effects that have been reported for selected endocrine disrupting chemicals will be reviewed and the evidence for causal relationships between endocrine disruption and cognitive effects will be discussed. Finally, directions for future research will be suggested. 

Animal 

31st Conference of the European Teratology Society 

Elsinore, Denmark 

7th–10th September 2003