Investigating the Effects of Prenatal Xenoestrogen Exposure on Digit and Metatarsal Epiphyseal Maturation

Substances that disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system are termed endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). EDCs work by interfering with the synthesis, transport, activity or elimination of natural hormones.... [ view full abstract ]

Substances that disrupt the normal functioning of the endocrine system are termed endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). EDCs work by interfering with the synthesis, transport, activity or elimination of natural hormones. Because hormones play a critical role in the development and normal functioning of body systems, including bones, exposure to EDCs may have the potential to disrupt bone development. Humans routinely come into contact with small concentrations of EDCs through exposure from plastics, epoxy resins and pesticides, among many other vehicles. The goal of this project is to study the effects on bone development of prenatal exposure to low, environmentally relevant doses of known EDCs on digit development in the CD-1 mouse model. Bisphenol S (BPS) is an industry-sought replacement for the more well-known and ubiquitous compound bisphenol A (BPA), a closely related analog. To this end, pregnant CD-1 mice were exposed during gestation and lactation to one of two levels of either ethinyl estradiol (EE2), BPS, or vehicle only and effects on bone development in offspring were measured. Using radiography and histology, proximal and metatarsal growth plate maturation were analyzed. Treatment effects on growth plates were not observed based on radiography and histology measurements. We will also include a short critique of the methods and language used in studying EDCs to contextualize this work.