In vitro and in vivo analysis of the thyroid disrupting activities of phenolic and phenol compounds in Xenopus laevis.

We investigated the effects of phenolic and phenol compounds on 3,3',5-L-125I-triiodothyronine (125I-T3) binding to purified Xenopus laevis transthyretin (xTTR) and to the ligand-binding domain of X. laevis thyroid hormone receptor beta (xTR LBD), on T3-induced metamorphosis in X. laevis tadpoles and on the induction of T3-dependent reporter gene in a X. laevis cell line. Of the halogenated phenolic and phenol compounds tested, 3,3',5-trichlorobisphenol A and 2,4,6-triiodophenol, respectively, were the most potent competitors of 125I-T3 binding to both xTTR and xTR LBD. Most of the halogenated compounds had stronger interactions with xTTR than with xTR LBD. Generally, chlorinated derivatives with a greater degree of chlorination were more efficient competitors of T3 binding to xTTR and xTR LBD. Structures with a halogen in either ortho position or in both ortho positions, with respect to the hydroxy group, were more efficient competitors. 3,3',5-Trichlorobisphenol A and 2,4,6-triiodophenol acted as T3 antagonists in the X. laevis tadpole metamorphosis assay. Interestingly, o-t-butylphenol and 2-isopropylphenol, for which xTTR and xTR LBD had weak or no significant affinity, showed T3 antagonist activity in the metamorphosis assay. T3 antagonist activities of all these chemicals except for o-t-butylphenol were verified by T3-dependent reporter gene assay. Our results suggest that some phenolic and phenol compounds target the process of T3 binding to xTTR and xTR and/or an unknown process, and that they interfere with the intracellular T3 signaling pathway.     

Altered expression of the Olr59, Ethe1, and Slc10a2 genes in the liver of F344 rats by neonatal thyroid hormone disruption

Many concerns have been expressed regarding the possible adverse effects of thyroid hormone‐disrupting chemicals in the environment. The disruption of thyroid hormones in the neonatal period may lead to permanent effects on thyroid hormone homeostasis as well as related developmental disorders, as thyroid hormones are essential for regulating the growth and differentiation of many tissues. To understand the long‐term alteration in gene expressions by neonatal administration of thyroid hormone‐like chemicals in general, we identified genes whose expression was altered in the liver, an important component of the thyroid hormone axis, by neonatal exposure to triiodothyronine (T3). T3 was administered to male F344 rats on postnatal days 1, 3, and 5 (week 0). At 8 weeks of age, cDNA microarray analysis was used to identify hepatic genes whose expression was altered by neonatal exposure to T3. Among the up‐regulated genes that were identified, the expression of Olr59 , Ethe1 , and Slc10a2 increased specifically in rats neonatally exposed to T3. Interestingly, altered hepatic expression of these genes indeed increased when a hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), OH‐BDE42, which is capable of binding to the TR, was given neonatally. Our data demonstrated that neonatal exposure to thyroid hormones could affect the long‐term expression of the genes, which could be useful markers for neonatal effects by thyroid hormone‐disrupting chemicals. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Enhanced rat Hershberger assay appears reliable for detection of not only (anti-)androgenic chemicals but also thyroid hormone modulators.

Development of an internationally recognized standard for the Hershberger assay as a screening tool to detect potential (anti-)androgenic chemicals is in progress. In the present preliminary study, we evaluated the reliability of the enhanced Hershberger assay to detect thyroid hormone modulating activity, while concentrating attention on possible confounding influence on evaluation of (anti-)androgenic activity. Castrated or testosterone propionate (TP; 0.2 or 0.25 mg/kg/day)-injected castrated male Crj:CD(SD) IGS rats (seven weeks of age) were dosed for 10 days by oral gavage with vehicle (corn oil) or the following chemicals: propylthiouracil (PTU; 2.5 mg/kg/day), a potent inhibitor of thyroid hormone synthesis, phenobarbital (PB; 125 mg/kg/day) and 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE; 100 mg/kg/day), two hepatic enzyme inducers that enhance the clearance of thyroid hormones. PTU markedly increased thyroid weights, and decreased serum T3 and T4, and increased serum TSH, also causing marked microscopic alteration of the thyroid gland. In comparison, PB and p,p'-DDE only significantly affect serum T4 and revealed some histopathological findings. The alterations appeared to be more robust in the presence of TP. Furthermore, data for p,p'-DDE demonstrated its anti-androgenic effects, whereas PTU and PB had little or no effects on the weights of androgen-related accessory glands/tissues: the ventral prostate, dorso-lateral prostate, seminal vesicles with coagulating glands, glans penis, Cowper's glands, and levator ani plus bulbocavernosus (LABC) muscles. Weight of the LABC muscles was decreased by PB treatment in TP-treated castrated rats. These findings in the present study suggests that the enhanced Hershberger assay, with evaluation of thyroid histopathology and weights, and hormone levels, appears to be reliable for screening for not only (anti-)androgenic chemicals but also thyroid hormone modulators. In order to evaluate whether the sensitivity and specificity of such a thyroid assay is great enough for routine screening purposes, future experiments including dose-response studies using lower dose levels have to be performed.     

Progress towards development of an amphibian-based thyroid screening assay using Xenopus laevis. Organismal and thyroidal responses to the model compounds 6-propylthiouracil, methimazole, and thyroxine.

In response to the initial Endocrine Disruptor Screening and Testing Advisory Committee (EDSTAC) recommendations, research was conducted on the development of a Xenopus laevis based tail resorption assay for evaluating thyroid axis disruption. This research highlighted key limitations associated with relying on tail resorption as a measure of anti/thyroid activity. The most critical limitation being that tail tissues of tadpoles at metamorphic climax are insensitive to perturbation by thyroid axis agonists/antagonists. To improve upon the initial proposal, we have conducted experiments comparing the sensitivity of pre-metamorphic (stage 51) and pro-metamorphic (stage 54) larvae to the model thyroid axis disruptors methimazole (control, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 mg/l), 6-propylthiouracil (PTU) (control, 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg/l), and thyroxine (T4) (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 microg/l). Exposures were conducted using two different experimental designs. For experimental design 1, tadpoles were exposed to methimazole or PTU starting at either NF stage 51 or NF 54 for 14 days. For experimental design 2, tadpoles were exposed to PTU or T4 starting at NF stage 51 or NF 54 for 14 and 21 days, respectively. Methimazole and PTU, which are thyroid hormone synthesis inhibitors, both caused a concentration dependent delay in larval development. As determined from this endpoint, there were only minor differences in sensitivity observed among the two stages examined. Further, both compounds caused concentration dependent changes in thyroid gland morphology. These changes were characterized as reduced colloid, glandular hypertrophy, and cellular hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Treatment failed to negatively affect growth, even in tadpoles that experienced significant metamorphic inhibition. T4 treatment resulted in a concentration dependent increase in developmental rate, as would be expected. Similar to studies with methimazole, there were no differences in sensitivity among the two developmental stages examined. These results indicate that tadpoles in the early stages of metamorphosis are sensitive to thyroid axis disruption and that development of a short-term, diagnostic amphibian-based thyroid screening assay shows considerable promise.     

Expression profiling of heat stress effects on mice fed ergot alkaloids.

Fescue toxicosis affects wild and domestic animals consuming ergot alkaloids contained in tall fescue forage infected with the endophytic fungus, Neotyphodium coenophialum. When animals are consuming infected fescue (E+) forage during periods of elevated ambient temperatures (summer), a range of phenotypic disorders collectively called summer slump is observed. It is characterized by hyperthermia, with an accompanying decrease in feed intake, growth, milk yield, and reproductive fitness. Laboratory mice also exhibit symptoms of fescue toxicosis at thermoneutral (TN) temperature, as indicated by reduced growth rate and reproductive fitness. Our goal was to characterize the differences in gene expression in liver of mice exposed to summer-type heat stress (HS) and E+ when compared to mice fed E+ at TN temperature. Mice were fed E+ diet under HS (34 +/- 1 degrees C; n = 13; E+HS) or TN conditions (24 +/- 1 degrees C; n = 14; E+TN) for a period of 2 weeks between 47 and 60 days of age. Genes differentially expressed between E+HS versus E+TN were identified using DNA microarrays. Forty-one genes were differentially expressed between treatment groups. Expressions of eight genes were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. Genes coding for phase I detoxification enzymes were upregulated in E+HS mouse liver. This detoxification pathway is known to produce reactive oxidative species. We observed an upregulation of genes involved in the protection against reactive oxidative species. Key genes involved in de novo lipogenesis and lipid transport were also upregulated. Finally, genes involved in DNA damage control and unfolded protein responses were downregulated.     

The colloidal thyroxine (T4) ring as a novel biomarker of perchlorate exposure in the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis.

The purpose of this study was to determine if changes in colloidal thyroxine (T(4)) immunoreactivity can be used as a biomarker of perchlorate exposure in amphibian thyroid tissue. Larval African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) were exposed to 0, 1, 8, 93, and 1131 microg perchlorate/l for 38 and 69 days to cover the normal period of larval development and metamorphosis. The results of this study confirmed the presence of an immunoreactive colloidal T(4) ring in thyroid follicles of X. laevis and demonstrated that the intensity of this ring is reduced in a concentration-dependent manner by perchlorate exposure. The smallest effective concentration of perchlorate capable of significantly reducing colloidal T(4) ring intensity was 8 microg perchlorate/l. The intensity of the immunoreactive colloidal T(4) ring is a more sensitive biomarker of perchlorate exposure than changes in hind limb length, forelimb emergence, tail resorption, thyrocyte hypertrophy, or colloid depletion. We conclude that the colloidal T(4) ring can be used as a sensitive biomarker of perchlorate-induced thyroid disruption in amphibians.     

Antiandrogenic effects in vitro and in vivo of the fungicide prochloraz.

The commonly used imidazole fungicide prochloraz was tested for antiandrogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. Prochloraz, but not the metabolites 2,4,6-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid or 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, inhibited the R1881-induced response in an androgen receptor reporter gene assay. In the Hershberger assay, prochloraz exposure at all dose levels (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) given orally to castrated testosterone (T)-treated males markedly reduced weights of ventral prostate, seminal vesicles, musc. levator ani/bulbocavernosus, and bulbourethral gland. These effects were accompanied by an increase in LH and a reduction of the T(4) and TSH level. The effects on seminal vesicles, LH, T(4), and TSH were also evident in intact prochloraz-exposed young adult rats. Body weights were unaffected whereas liver weights were increased in prochloraz-treated animals. Changes in androgen-regulated gene expression were determined in ventral prostates by real-time RT-PCR. A pronounced decrease of ornithin decarboxylase and PBP C3 mRNA levels was observed for both prochloraz and flutamide. These results indicate that prochloraz antagonizes the peripheral androgen receptors resulting in decreased growth of androgen-dependent tissues and that it antagonizes central androgen receptors blocking the negative feed-back mechanism of testosterone resulting in increased LH secretion from the pituitary. The antiandrogenic effects of prochloraz were in many ways qualitatively comparable, although weaker, to the effects of flutamide. However, differential effects on levels of FSH, T(4), and TSH indicate that other modes of action apart from the pure AR antagonism might play a role in vivo.     

Effects of atrazine on CYP19 gene expression and aromatase activity in testes and on plasma sex steroid concentrations of male African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis).

Some investigators have suggested that the triazine herbicide atrazine can cause demasculinization of male amphibians via upregulation of the enzyme aromatase. Male adult African clawed frogs (Xenopus laevis) were exposed to three nominal concentrations of atrazine (1, 25, or 250 microg atrazine/l) for 36 days, and testicular aromatase activity and CYP19 gene expression, as well as concentrations of the plasma sex steroids testosterone (T) and 17beta-estradiol (E2), and gonad size (GSI) were measured. There were no effects on any of the parameters measured, with the exception of plasma T concentrations. Plasma T concentrations in X. laevis exposed to the greatest concentration of atrazine were significantly less (p = 0.034) than those in untreated frogs. Both CYP19 gene expression and aromatase activities were low regardless of treatment, and neither parameter correlated with the other. We conclude that aromatase enzyme activity and gene expression were at basal levels in X. laevis from all treatments, and that the tested concentrations of atrazine did not interfere with steroidogenesis through an aromatase-mediated mechanism of action.     

Identification of putative estrogen receptor-mediated endocrine disrupting chemicals using QSAR- and structure-based virtual screening approaches

Identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals is one of the important goals of environmental chemical hazard screening. We report on the development of validated in silico predictors of chemicals likely to cause estrogen receptor (ER)-mediated endocrine disruption to facilitate their prioritization for future screening. A database of relative binding affinity of a large number of ERα and/or ERβ ligands was assembled (546 for ERα and 137 for ERβ). Both single-task learning (STL) and multi-task learning (MTL) continuous quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed for predicting ligand binding affinity to ERα or ERβ. High predictive accuracy was achieved for ERα binding affinity (MTL R² = 0.71, STL R² = 0.73). For ERβ binding affinity, MTL models were significantly more predictive (R² = 0.53, p < 0.05) than STL models. In addition, docking studies were performed on a set of ER agonists/antagonists (67 agonists and 39 antagonists for ERα, 48 agonists and 32 antagonists for ERβ, supplemented by putative decoys/non-binders) using the following ER structures (in complexes with respective ligands) retrieved from the Protein Data Bank: ERα agonist (PDB ID: 1L2I), ERα antagonist (PDB ID: 3DT3), ERβ agonist (PDB ID: 2NV7), and ERβ antagonist (PDB ID: 1L2J). We found that all four ER conformations discriminated their corresponding ligands from presumed non-binders. Finally, both QSAR models and ER structures were employed in parallel to virtually screen several large libraries of environmental chemicals to derive a ligand- and structure-based prioritized list of putative estrogenic compounds to be used for in vitro and in vivo experimental validation.     

Integration of in vivo and in vitro approaches to characterize the toxicity of Antalarmin, a corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonist

Non-clinical studies were conducted to evaluate the toxicity of Antalarmin, a corticotropin-releasing hormone type 1 receptor antagonist being developed for therapy of stress-related pathologies. Antalarmin was not genotoxic in bacterial mutagenesis assays, mammalian cell mutagenesis assays, or in vivo DNA damage assays. In a 14-day range-finding study in rats, Antalarmin doses ≥500 mg/kg/day (3000 mg/m²/day) induced mortality. In a 90-day toxicity study in rats, no gross toxicity was seen at doses of 30, 100, or 300 mg/kg/day (180, 600, or 1800 mg/m²/day, respectively). Antalarmin (300 mg/kg/day) induced mild anemia, increases in serum γ-glutamyl transferase activity, and microscopic hepatic pathology (bile duct hyperplasia and epithelial necrosis, periportal inflammation). Microscopic renal changes (cortical necrosis, inflammation, hypertrophy, nephropathy) were observed in rats at all Antalarmin doses. In a 14-day range-finding study in dogs, Antalarmin doses ≥50 mg/kg/day (1000 mg/m²/day) induced repeated emesis and bone marrow suppression. In a 90-day toxicity study in dogs, Antalarmin (4, 8, or 16 mg/kg/day (80, 160, or 320 mg/m²/day, respectively)) induced bone marrow and lymphoid depletion, but no gross toxicity. Comparative in vitro studies using rat, dog, and human neutrophil progenitors demonstrated that canine bone marrow cells are highly sensitive to Antalarmin cytotoxicity, while rat and human bone marrow cells are relatively insensitive. As such, the bone marrow toxicity observed in dogs is considered likely to over-predict Antalarmin toxicity in humans. The hepatic and renal toxicities seen in rats exposed to Antalarmin identify those tissues as the most likely targets for Antalarmin toxicity in humans.     

An approach for assessing estrogen receptor-mediated interactions in mixtures of three chemicals: a pilot study.

Most studies investigating interactions among endocrine-active chemicals have been limited to binary mixtures. This study reports on the preliminary evaluation an in vitro MCF-7 cell ER-alpha reporter gene system, coupled with a statistical methodology adapted for assessing interactions within ternary (3-chemical) mixtures. Two mixtures were initially chosen for assessment of the in vitro system's ability to detect additivity (mixture A) as well as greater-than-additive (mixture B) responses. Mixture A was composed of 17beta-estradiol (E2), ethinyl estradiol, and diethylstilbestrol and served as a control for additivity, whereas mixture B (E2, epidermal growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-I) was selected to model greater-than-additive interactions based on previous in vitro studies. After generating complete dose-response curves for each chemical, ternary mixtures were then tested in a full factorial design (4 concentrations per chemical, 64 treatment groups). A response surface was estimated using a nonlinear mixed model, and the observed responses were statistically analyzed for departures from the responses expected under the assumption of additivity. Mixture A exhibited additivity in vitro when the chemicals were present at concentrations in the linear range of their individual dose-response curves. For mixture B, in vitro analysis resulted in the additivity hypothesis being rejected (p < 0.001) because of a greater-than-additive interaction, as expected. A limited in vivo evaluation of mixture A was performed in the immature mouse uterotrophic assay (27 treatment groups), which agreed with the in vitro assessment of no significant departure from additivity ( p = 0.903). These findings demonstrate the ability of this in vitro methodology to detect additive, greater-than-additive, and less-than-additive interactions within ternary mixtures, which now allows for the assessment of environmentally relevant mixtures.     

Mode of action clustering of chemicals and environmental samples on the bases of bacterial stress gene inductions.

Over the years, environment and the human population have seen an increasing exposure to both existing and newly developed chemicals. It is generally accepted that at least some of those are toxic, albeit as pure compound or in combination with others. In response to a growing public awareness and scientific data, the new European chemicals legislation (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) is under implementation at the moment. As a consequence, during the coming years about 30,000 chemicals have to be assessed on their potential hazard for man and biota. Part of this assessment will be done using existing and new in vitro tests offering insight into the toxicity of chemicals and into their toxicological mode of action. This study presents data on a battery of 14 bacterial reporter gene assay allowing mode of action determination and statistical grouping of chemicals based on their induction profile. Gene induction results are used to group reference chemicals in a statistical cascade employing hierarchical tree and k-means clustering for initial grouping. Both complementary, yet mathematically different, algorithms are consequently confirmed by principal component analysis (PCA). The gene induction profiles of an environmental extract with documented in vivo effects and a chemical with limited toxicological are data available and projected in the PCA vector space. The projection allows correct mode of action grouping and indicates that effect predictions based on the known toxicological effects of the reference compounds can be made.     

Human health and endocrine disruption: a simple multicriteria framework for the qualitative assessment of end point specific risks in a context of scientific uncertainty.

Endocrine disruption remains one of the most controversial contemporary environmental issues. While the desired level of protection is ultimately a societal choice, endocrine toxicity could result in a wide spectrum of adverse health effects. Although the application of the causal framework of weight-of-evidence approaches to complex toxicological issues has incited much interest, no international criteria or guidance have yet been developed. In this context, the evidence on end point-specific risks to human health contained in the International Program on Chemical Safety Global assessment of the State-of-Science on Endocrine Disruptors report was updated and assessed qualitatively using three simple criteria relevant to the practical application of the precautionary principle (PP): incidence trends, association, and consequence. The current degree of knowledge was then ranked according to ignorance, uncertainty, and risk. The main sources of scientific uncertainty in relation to incidence trends were associated with the evolution of diagnostic criteria or diagnostic tests, while genetic susceptibility is often proposed as an explanation for the wide geographic variations in the incidence of some diseases. Such genetic polymorphisms are also offered as a potential explanation for some of the inconsistent findings or lack of clear dose-response gradients described under the association criterion. The methodology yielded a relative paucity of data addressing directly the impact for adverse human health effect from both individual and public health perspectives. Results are discussed within the context of the application of the PP. Within a participatory context, this simple framework could provide a useful decision-making tool to both communicate scientific uncertainty to the wider public and manage uncertain risks.     

Differential binding affinities of PCBs, HO-PCBs, and aroclors with recombinant human, rainbow trout (Onchorhynkiss mykiss), and green anole (Anolis carolinensis) estrogen receptors, using a semi-high throughput competitive binding assay.

A comparative study was undertaken to assess the ability of 44 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 9 hydroxylated PCBs (HO-PCBs), and 8 aroclors at concentrations ranging from 1 nM to 10 microM to compete with [3H]17beta-estradiol (E2) for binding to bacterially expressed fusion proteins using a semi-high throughput competitive-binding assay. The fusion proteins consisted of the D, E, and F domains of human (alpha), cloned reptilian (Anolis carolinensis) and recloned rainbow trout (Onchorhynkiss mykiss) estrogen receptors (ER) linked to the glutathione S-transferase (GST) protein. GST-hERalphadef (human), GST-aERdef (reptile) and GST-rtERdef (rainbow trout) fusion proteins exhibited high affinity for E2 with dissociation constants (Kd) of 0.4+/-0.1 nM, 0.7+/-0.2 nM, and 0.6+/-0.1 nM, respectively. Of the 44 PCBs examined, only PCBs 104, 184, and 188 effectively competed with [3H]E2 for binding to the GST-rtERdef protein with IC50 values ranging from 0.4-1.3 microM. In contrast, these same congeners only caused a 30% displacement of [3H]E2 in GST-hERalphadef and GST-aERdef proteins. Several additional congeners were found to bind to the GST-rtERdef fusion protein, although the degree of interaction varied among congeners. Among the HO-PCBs, 2',3',4',5'-tetrachloro-4-biphenylol and 2,6,2',6'-tetrachloro-4-biphenylol bound to all three fusion proteins with IC50 values ranging from 0.1-0.3 microM. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) concentrations of 20% significantly increased the ability of PCBs 104, 184, and 188 to compete with [3H]E2 for binding to the GST-ERdef fusion proteins, whereas at 20% DMSO, a significant reduction in saturable binding was observed. These results demonstrate that ERs from different species exhibit differential ligand preferences and relative binding affinities for PCBs, which can be dramatically affected by DMSO concentration.     

Effects of short-term in vivo exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers on thyroid hormones and hepatic enzyme activities in weanling rats.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), used as flame retardants, are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. PBDEs act as endocrine disruptors via alterations in thyroid hormone homeostasis. We examined thyroid hormone concentrations and hepatic enzyme activity in weanling rats exposed to three commercial PBDE mixtures: DE-71, DE-79, and DE-83R. Female Long-Evans rats, 28 days old, were orally administered various doses of DE-71, DE-79, or DE-83R for 4 days. Serum and liver samples were collected 24 h after the last dose and analyzed for serum total thyroxine (T(4)), triiodothyronine (T(3)), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), hepatic microsomal ethoxy- and pentoxy-resorufin-O-deethylase (EROD and PROD), and uridinediphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UDPGT) activities. The PBDE-treated groups did not exhibit significant changes in body weight; however, increased liver weights, as well as 10- to 20-fold induction in EROD and 30- to 40-fold induction in PROD were found in the DE-71-- and DE-79--treated animals. DE-71 and DE-79 caused dose-dependent depletion of T(4), accompanied by up to 3- to 4-fold induction in UDPGT activities. Serum total T(4) was decreased a maximum of 80% for DE-71 and 70% for DE-79 in the highest dose, with benchmark doses (BMDs) of approximately 12.74 mg/kg/day for DE-71 and 9.25 mg/kg/day for DE-79. Dose-related effects in serum T(3) levels were less apparent, with maximal reductions of 25-30% at the highest dose for both DE-71 and DE-79. The two mixtures showed no effect on serum TSH levels. Benchmark dose analysis revealed that the two mixtures were comparable in altering thyroid hormone levels and hepatic enzyme activity. DE-83R was not effective in altering any of the measured parameters. The present study suggests that short-term exposure to some commercial PBDE mixtures interferes with the thyroid hormone system via upregulation of UDPGTS:     

Development of two androgen receptor assays using adenoviral transduction of MMTV-luc reporter and/or hAR for endocrine screening.

The discovery of xenobiotics that interfere with androgen activity has highlighted the need to assess chemicals for their ability to modulate dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-receptor binding. Previous test systems have used cells transfected with plasmid containing a reporter gene. Here we report the use of transduction for gene delivery and assessment of the modulation of DHT-induced gene activation. Transduction, the ability of replication-defective viruses to deliver biologically competent genes, is a well understood biological process, which has been utilized to repair defective genes in humans as well as to express exogenous genes in rodent models. Human breast carcinoma cells (MDA-MB-453) containing endogenous copies of the androgen (hAR) and glucocorticoid (GR) receptors were transduced with replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 containing the luciferase (Luc) reporter gene driven by the AR- and GR-responsive glucocorticoid-inducible hormone response element found with the mammary tumor virus LTR (Ad/MLUC7). In a second set of experiments, CV-1 cells were transduced as above with MMTV-luc and also hAR. Cells were subcultured in 96-well plates, transduced with virus, exposed to chemicals, incubated for 48 h, lysed, and assayed for luciferase. Luc gene expression was induced in a dose-dependent manner by DHT, estradiol, and dexamethasone (MDA only) and inhibited by AR antagonist hydroxyflutamide (OHF), hydroxy-DDE, HPTE (2,2-bis(p-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1, 1-trichloroethane), a methoxychlor metabolite, and M1 and M2 (vinclozolin metabolites). The transduced cells responded to AR agonists and antagonists as predicted from our other studies, with a very robust and reproducible response. Over all replicates, 0.1 nM DHT induced luc expression by about 45-fold in CV-1 cells (intra-assay CV = 20%) and 1micromolar OHF inhibited DHT by about 80%. In the transduced MDA cells, 0.1 nM DHT induced luc by about 24-fold (intra-assay CV = 33%), which was inhibited by OHF by about 85%. DHT-induced luciferase activity peaked in both cell lines between 1 and 100 nM, displaying about 64- and 115-fold maximal induction in the CV-1 and MDA 453 cells, respectively. For agonists, a two-fold induction of luc over media control was statistically significant. For AR antagonists, a 25-30% inhibition of DHT-induced luc expression was typically statistically significant. Comparing the two assays, the transduced CV-1 cells were slightly more sensitive to AR-mediated responses, but the transduced MDA 453 cells were more responsive to GR agonists. In summary, these assays correctly identified the endocrine activity of all chemicals examined and displayed sensitivity with a relatively low variability and a high-fold induction over background. Adenovirus transduction for EDC screening has the potential to be employed in a high-throughput mode, and could easily be applied to other cell lines and utilized to deliver other receptors and reporter genes.