Lecture 8 Flashcards

1
Q

Some adverse outcomes of toxicity can include (3):

A

1) Growth
2) Reproduction
3) Survival

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2
Q

Many compounds introduced into the environment by human activity are capable of disrupting the ____________________ of animals, including fish, wildlife, and humans. The consequences of such disruption can be profound

A

endocrine system

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3
Q

Exogenous substance or mixture that alter function(s) or the endocrine system and consequently cause adverse health effects in an intact organism, or its progeny, or subpopulations:

A

Endocrine disrupting chemicals

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4
Q

Name 2 things that EDCs can do:

A

1) EDCs can mimic natural hormones by binding to their receptors
2) EDCs can alter recognition, biosynthesis, storage, release, transport, and clearance of hormones

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5
Q

Name a few things that EDCs can do:

A
  • Decline in sperm quality
  • Impair fertility
  • Increase spontaneous abortions
  • Imposex in mollusks
  • Declining sex ratios (less men)
  • Endometriosis (uterine tissue)
  • Precocious / early puberty
  • Neurobehavioural disorders
  • Many cancers (?)
  • Population declines in wildlife
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6
Q

Review of endocrinology (1):

  • the endocrine system is a collection of ____________ glands
  • glands in humans include: _________________________________
  • glands synthesize and secrete __________
A
  • ductless
  • hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid. adrenals, pineal body, pancreas, ovaries, and testicles
  • hormones
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7
Q

T or F: Hormones are body’s messengers: transfer information and instructions form one set of cells to another

A

T

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8
Q

What is the main function of the endocrine system and hormones:

A

Maintain homeostasis and long-term control by means of chemical signals

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9
Q

T or F: The endocrine system works in parallel with the nervous system

A

T

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10
Q

Why are we concerned about EDCs?

A
  • Because they are bioavailable and bioaccumulate
  • Small changes are amplified (signal transduction)
  • Effects cause by less than ppb concentration (relevant)
  • Multiple effects and toxicities
  • Inter-generational effects
  • Mixtures = synergies
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11
Q

EE2 additions in lakes of UK caused:

A
  • High vitellogenin production in males
  • Delayed sperm cells
  • Population impacts / less males
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12
Q

What is vitellogenin:

A

protein created in the liver that is transported to the ovaries to nourish the egg

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13
Q

General Adaptation Syndrome was supported by:

A

Hans Selye

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14
Q

General Adaptation Syndrome develops in _________ stages

A

three

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15
Q

T or F: The body’s resistance to stress can only last so long before exhaustion sets in

A

T

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16
Q

What are the 3 phases of stress:

A

1) Phase 1 alarm reaction (mobilize resources)
2) Phase 2 resistance (cope with stressor)
3) Phase 3 exhaustion (reserves are depleted)

17
Q

Hypothalamus (releasing factor) - Anterior pituitary - ACTH (through blood) - _________________

A

Adrenal cortex releases cortisol

18
Q

Fish in polluted environments and their cortisol levels: (study) what was the conclusion

A

The results suggested that a life-long exposure to chemical pollutants may lead to an exhaustion of the cortisol-producing endocrine system, possibly as a result of prolonged hyperactivity of the system

19
Q

What are some challenges associated with evaluating behavioral ecotoxicology?

A
  • latency period
  • inter species sensitivity
  • not easy to monitor in nature / how do you ask a fish how they feel
  • tolerance / resistance / adaptation
20
Q

What are some common measures of behavioral ecotoxicology?

A
  • Avoidance: change in response to stimulus (light, temperature, salinity)
  • Activity level: fatigue and lethargy / hyperactivity
  • Feeding: cessation or diminished
  • Performance: swimming speed, orientation
  • Predation: reduced ability to avoid predators; sub-optimal predator foraging or prey-switching
  • Reproductive behavior: endocrine disruption, reduced fecundity
  • Social interactions: grooming, nursing , preening, singing