Researchers have gained new insight into the impact of bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on the developing mammary gland of mouse embryos. Using a culture system that is ex vivo, the team from Tufts University School of Medicine examined the growth of the entire mammary gland outside of the organism in a culture dish. Using this new rapid bioassay, they were able to observe the development in real time for the first time.

Changes to embryonic mammary tissue were noted to occur at a dose comparable to that of humans' environmental exposure to BPA, indicating a potential connection with breast cancer occurrence later in life. Additionally, while previous studies have found that BPA has estrogen-like effects, the Tufts team noted that BPA did not inhibit mammary gland development like estrogen.

To learn more about how your healthcare institution can reduce its use of endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as BPA, please visit Practice Greenhealth at www.practicegreenhealth.org.

[Source: Science Daily]