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Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption with Particular Reference to Occurrence in Avian Wildlife: A Review

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Abstract

This review examines the evidence for endocrine disruption in birds. It reviews in vitro and in vivo laboratory based evidence for endocrine disruption by (1) agonism or antagonism of gonadal steroid hormones, (2) altering the activity of cytochrome P450 enzymes, (3) altering thyroid hormone function, (4) affecting intrinsic neuroendocrine control mechanisms and (5) activation of the stress response. It also discusses the evidence for the existence of such effects in free-living birds. In vitro studies demonstrate that mechanisms for potential endocrine disruption exist, but in vivo studies suggest that such mechanisms are insufficient to overwhelm endogenous homeostatic control. There are only two phenomena in wild birds where endocrine disruption has been cited as a possible cause: eggshell thinning and supernormal clutches. Evidence suggests that neither of these is caused by endocrine disruption. Despite three decades of concern, there is no evidence that avian wildlife has suffered endocrine disruption.

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  1. Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Monks Wood, Abbots Ripton, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, PE28 2LS, U.K.

    Alistair Dawson

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Dawson, A. Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption with Particular Reference to Occurrence in Avian Wildlife: A Review. Ecotoxicology 9, 59–69 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008964128501

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