ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION The reproductive systemof the femalemammal is comprisedof the brain-pituitary-ovarian axis and associated reproductive organs including the oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina, and mammary glands. Perturbations of normal development and/or adult regulation of the complex processes controlling successful reproduction are major clinical problems. In this regard, there is growing concern that environmental chemicals may be contributing to reproductive failure and/or disease. Studies of wildlife populations offer compelling evidence that environmental contaminants can affect reproduction in a number of species (1). In addition, laboratory studies, as well as a limited number of occupational exposure studies, suggest that some naturally occurring (e.g., phytoestrogens) and man-made (xenobiotics) chemicals can interact with key molecular regulatory processes governing successful reproduction. Such data have led to speculation that impaired fertility or reproductive cancers are the result of chemical exposure to the developing or adult female.
