Male Pubertal Assay

The Male Pubertal Assay serves as an in vivo screening assay to help identify chemicals or mixtures that have the potential to interact with the endocrine system, by identifying effects on pubertal development and thyroid function in the intact male rat.  This assay is capable of detecting anti-thyroid, androgenic, or antiandrogenic chemicals, or agents which alter pubertal development.

This assay is part of the OECD framework for the Testing and Assessment of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals” under the EPA.

The purpose of the male pubertal assay is to provide information obtained from an in vivo mammalian system that will be useful in assessing the potential of a chemical substance or mixture to interact with the endocrine system. This assay is capable of detecting chemicals with antithyroid, androgenic, or antiandrogenic [androgen receptor (AR) or steroid-enzyme-mediated] activity or agents which alter pubertal development via changes in gonadotropins, prolactin, or hypothalamic function.