ABSTRACT
The scope of this chapter includes a brief introduction to the endocrine system of fishes, mechanisms of endocrine toxicity in teleosts, and experimental approaches for characterizing the effects of endocrine disruption. The mechanisms of toxicity explored in this chapter will focus on steroidogenesis, hormone metabolism, effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, and physiological modifications to reproductive systems by endocrine-disrupting chemicals. An overview of evidence of endocrine disruption in wild fish populations will be explored. Finally, in vivo and in vitro approaches for characterizing endocrine-disrupting effects in laboratories will be discussed. The chapter will conclude with suggestions for new paths forward for experimental approaches to facilitate the development of policies and practices that are much needed to adequately protect the integrity of our valuable aquatic ecosystems.
