Effects of (xeno)estrogen on development of brain and behaviour

During development, estrogen hormones organize the sexual differentiation of brain and behaviour. Xenoestrogens are man made or natural compounds which mimics the action of estrogen hormones. The experimental evidence for behavioural alterations in humans and mammals following exposure to xenoestrogens is scarce because most studies failed to simulate an environmental exposure. In addition, most chemicals tested have additional, non-estrogenic toxic effects. We developed a model to study true xenoestrogenic effects on mammalian brain and behaviour. We simulate an environmental exposure using very low doses - equivalent to concentrations measured in contaminated waters - of xenoestrogens, which are given orally with a non-invasive method, and we extend the treatment for the entire course of development. I am studying how an environmental-like exposure to pure estrogen during development can permanently alter brain and behavioural differentiatiion in mammalian species.