Endocrine Disruptor Impact on Zebrafish Larvae: Posterior Lateral Line System as a New Target

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), bisphenol A (BPA), pharmaceutical drugs, and pesticides, affect a variety of hormone-regulated physiological pathways in humans and wildlife. The occurrence of these EDCs in the aquatic environment is linked with vertebrates’ health alteration. EDCs exhibit lipophilic characteristics and bind to hydrophobic areas of steroid receptors, such as the estrogen receptor, which are involved in vertebrate developmental regulation. Mainly, EDCs modify the transcription of several genes involved in individual homeostasis. Zebrafish conserve many developmental pathways found in humans, which makes it an appreciated model system for EDCs research studies, especially on early organ development. In the current chapter, we emphasize on latest published papers of EDCs effects on lateral line regeneration in zebrafish larvae. Similarly, we describe other special impacts of EDCs exposure. In conclusion, we make the case that the zebrafish lateral line exposed to EDCs can provide important insights into human health.