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EDSP Tier 2 test (T2T) guidances and protocols are delivered, including web-based guidance for diagnosing and scoring, and evaluating EDC-induced pathology in fish and amphibian
Citation:
Johnson, R., S. Degitz, K. Flynn, D. Lothenbach, D. Hammermeister, F. Whiteman, Joe Korte, J. Haselman, AND Pat Kosian. EDSP Tier 2 test (T2T) guidances and protocols are delivered, including web-based guidance for diagnosing and scoring, and evaluating EDC-induced pathology in fish and amphibian. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, 2014.
Impact/Purpose:
The approach has been to develop long-term test protocols that incorporate various EDC-relevant endpoints such as vitellogenin induction, alteration of secondary sex characters, reproductive and developmental toxicity and histopathology. It is anticipated that the LAGDA and MRT test protocols will be used by the relevant agency Program Offices responsible for issuing EDSP test orders. The results of the tests conducted in response to the test orders will be used to develop risk assessments of possible EDCs, in accordance with the Food Quality Protection Act.
Description:
The Agency’s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP) consists of two tiers. The first tier provides information regarding whether a chemical may have endocrine disruption properties. Tier 2 tests provide confirmation of ED effects and dose-response information to be used for a comprehensive risk assessment. Tier 2 test protocols for fish and amphibians have been developed by ORD and interlaboratory studies were conducted and coordinated by the Office of Science Coordination and Policy (OSCP). Tier 2 test protocols for fish and amphibians have undergone review by an EPA scientific advisory panel (SAP). These tests allow the evaluation of possible adverse growth development and reproductive outcomes with implication to adverse impact on populations. The fish protocol consists of a one-generation exposure of Japanese medaka to evaluate effects on development, growth, and reproduction. The frog test is also a single generation test that evaluates effects on growth, time to metamorphosis and gonadal development in Xenopus laevis. Both tests incorporate several molecular and histological endpoints that are diagnostic of chemical mode-of-action. These endpoints serve as a basis of comparison for extrapolation among species. The approach has been to develop long-term test protocols that incorporate various EDC-relevant endpoints such as vitellogenin induction, alteration of secondary sex characters, reproductive and developmental toxicity and histopathology. It is anticipated that the LAGDA and MRT test protocols will be used by the relevant agency Program Offices responsible for issuing EDSP test orders. The results of the tests conducted in response to the test orders will be used to develop risk assessments of possible EDCs, in accordance with the Food Quality Protection Act.