Editorial - Endocrine Disruption in Rana temporaria and Podarcis sicula

Five papers deal with this topic. The first paper by Brande-Lavridsen et al. [1] shows that age and size at metamorphosis of tadpoles of the common frog, Rana temporaria, can be influenced by two known endocrine disruptors, the estrogenic pharmaceutical 17 -ethinylestradiol and the antiandrogenic/antiestrogenic fungicide prochloraz. In the second paper, by Sciarrillo et al. [2], the Authors investigate the effects of nonylphenol, an estrogenic-like compound widespread in the aquatic environment, on the thyroid of the lizard Podarcis sicula. The results show a structural and functional disruption of the thyroid gland. The next three papers examine different effects of a heavy metal, cadmium, on the lizard Podarcis sicula. The third paper, by De Falco et al. [3], investigates the changes in the adrenal gland morphology of the lizard following the exposure to cadmium. This metal impairs the steroidogenic tissue and induces steroidogenic cord hyperplasia, disorganization of steroidogenic parenchyma until necrotic degeneration. It in turn evokes macrophage infiltration. The fourth paper, by Favorito et al. [4] shows an alteration of the normal endocrine function of the pituitary gland of the lizard Podarcis sicula following an acute exposure to cadmium. The last paper, by Simoniello et al. [5] shows that cadmium in Podarcis sicula stimulates oogonial proliferation and oocyte recruitment by mimicking gonadotropins activity. The metal also exerts toxic effects on the growing follicles thus reducing fecundity and the reproductive performance.