Environmental Endocrine Disruptors and Male Reproductive Toxicology

Many natural and synthetic chemicals can alter endocrine signaling by mimicking or inhibiting the actions of endogenous hormones. These chemicals, now commonly referred to as endocrine disruptors or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), can alter male reproductive tract development and function by effects on the estrogen, androgen, thyroid hormone, and other endocrine signaling systems. This chapter reviews the historical development of work on endocrine disruption, and describes our present knowledge related to the types of chemicals that can function as EDCs in the male tract and the effects these chemicals can produce.