Effects of persistent environmental pollutants on the HPA-axis

Background Many persistent chemicals which are abundant in nature accumulate through food webs and are transferred to the offspring of pregnant females through the placenta and mother’s milk. Some of these chemicals can adversely affect neurodevelopment, the immune system or act as endocrine disruptors. Effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have been relatively poorly studied in comparison with other endocrine axes. However, blood and tissue levels of certain POPs have been shown to correlate with cortisol levels in polar bears and to affect adrenal function in fish and other wildlife [1]. The HPA axis and its end product, cortisol, is not only crucial for adequate responses to stress, it is also involved in normal foetal development, as well as regulation of metabolism, immune function, blood pressure and other bodily functions. The aim of our research has been to investigate endocrine disrupting effects of different polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mixtures of POPs. Effects were observed on the adrenal steroidogenesis and foetal development of the adrenal cortex. Special attention was given to the synthesis of cortisol.