Male reproductive toxicology studies include toxin effects and mechanisms of action on spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell gene expression and function in animal models; age-related changes in the human testis to explain variations in spermatogenesis among men are also being investigated. In females, in vitro and in vivo studies using animal models are being conducted in the following areas:

Fetal implantation, the   conceptus-maternal interface and parturition.
Ca⁺⁺ control and Ca⁺⁺ channel changes associated with oxytocin and vasopressin.
Growth factors, steroid receptors and endocrine disruptors.
The effects of exposure to estrogen and estrogen receptor mediation.
Changes in plasma membrane potential as an intracellular indicator of toxic effects.
Changes in intracellular communication and cell signaling during tumor progression.

Developmental toxicology studies utilize in vitro teratogen-sensitive bioassays to detect and rank developmental hazards associated with numerous mycotoxins and chlorinated aromatics. The ability of these systems to delineate basic structure/activity relationships and mechanisms of toxic action/interaction of developmental toxins is currently being assessed.

Research on different aspects of behavioral and neurotoxicology is ongoing. Studies include the behavioral toxicity of lead and other heavy metals, alcohol and environmental pollutants on domestic and laboratory animals, the neurotoxicity of lead, the neurotoxic effects of organophosphate chemicals, the effects of lead and alcohol on neuroendocrine structure and function, and alcohol effects on puberty and sexual development. 

Developmental, Reproductive & Neurotoxicology Faculty