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Endocrine disrupters' effects are inheritable Exposure to two commonly used pesticides and fungicides during gestation can cause developmental defects in male fertility that are transmitted to subsequent generations through the male line, according to a new study (Science 2005, 308, 1466). Michael K. Skinner and coworkers at Washington State University exposed pregnant rats to the fu ngicide vinclozolin (shown) and the pesticide methoxychlor. More than 90% of the male offspring in the first four generations of the groups treated with the chemicals demonstrated a decrease in fertility, including about 10% that were completely infertile. The most likely cause is a change in the methylation pattern of the genes rather than a mutation in the DNA sequence. This study marks the first time that such "transgenerational" effects of endocrine disrupters have been documented, Skinner says. |
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