Effects of Pesticide Methoxychlor on Reproduction
Grant
Overview
abstract
The pesticide methoxychlor is presently in wide use as asubstitute for the banned DDT. Biochemical research hasestablished that the pesticide has estrogenic action; however,very little data are available concerning the effects ofmethoxychlor on mammalian reproductive organs. Reproductivesystems of immature mice as well as other mammals appearshighly sensitive to estrogenic action. This study proposes tomeasure the estrogenic and/or toxic effects of methoxychlor onthe anatomy, physiology and cell biology of the reproductivesystem in neonatal and adult mice. To accomplish this goal,neonatal mice of Swiss-Webster strain will be exposed tomethoxychlor and the following information collected: a)morphology of oviduct, uterus, cervix, vagina and ovaries, b)regularity of estrous cycles and onset of reproductivesenescence, c) type of vaginal cornification, d) ovarian functionand LH and FSH levels in ovariectomized mice, and e) patternsof secretions of proteinaceous molecules by endometrial cells inadults. The results obtained from this proposal will be valuablein establishing the mechanism of methoxychlor action in thereproductive organs of exposed newborn and adult mammals. Inaddition, the new data will be very useful in determining theimpact of methoxychlor's wide use in the environment on thereproductive capabilities of non-target species and humans who,as a result of occupational exposure, may come in daily contactwith this chemical.
