Developmental exposure to endocrine disruptors and ovarian function

Abstract

The developing organism is particularly sensitive to environmental insults that can permanently reprogram normal physiology leading to long-term functional aberrations. With regard to the female gonad, any disruption of the complex regulatory mechanisms that control ovarian development/function could provoke disorders of normal steroidogenesis, folliculogenesis, ovulation, and, finally, female fertility. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are among the factors that are incriminated to have an adverse impact on several aspects of ovarian biology. Through their capacity to mimic or antagonize natural hormones, this diverse class of chemicals is believed to interfere in the early stages of gonadal development. This chapter summarizes experimental evidence linking pre/peripubertal exposure (prenatal and/or early life until puberty exposure) to environmental chemical contaminants and perturbations in ovarian development and function.