1. Steroid Hormones How Steroids Work
Chemistry and Conversion in Steroids
Steroids in Insect Molt Cycles
Human Development of Sexual Characters
Steroids and Sex Change
Environmental “estrogens” and their disruption of normal cycles

11. Molt Associated Hormones
Bursicon – a protein from neurosecretory cells in brain that promotes cuticle development in newly molted adults
Ecdysone – a steroid from the prothorasic glands produces growth necessary for molting
Eclosion – a peptide from the brain that induces the emergence from the pupa state
Juvenile Hormone – fatty acid from the corpus allatum that inhibits metamorphosis
Prothorasicotropin– PTTH – small protein freom the prothorasic gland that stimulates ecdysone release

15. In the 1950’s, ornithologists noticed a reduction in the survival of brown pelicans, gull and eagles. Egg shells were thin and birds showed no interest in nest building or courtship. DDT was linked to the decline. Another spill in a Florida lake in 1980 reduced the alligator birthrate by 90%. Young males have low sperm counts and small genitals.

16. DES (Diethylstibestrol)
Introduced in 1938 to prevent miscarriage
5 million women world-wide treated
DES linked to cancer in 1971
DES babies show higher levels of reproductive cancers, low sperm count, lessened sexual attraction, depression

17. PCBs introduced in 1929 as an additive for paints, lubricants, electrical junctions, copy machines.
In 1964, PCBs identified almost everywhere by Soren Jensen.
Banned in the US in 1976
Releated to reproductive defects and hermaphrodism in many animals including polar bears.

18. In 1940’s epidemic in Australia caused collapse of merino wool crop.
Problem traced to a non-native clover that produced an estogen disruptor.
Other plants that use estrogen disruptors in defense include sun flower, fennel, wild carrots, soy beans, and sweet potatoes