Toxic chemicals affect steroid hormones differently in humans and invertebrates

In a study with important consequences for studies on the effects of chemicals on steroid responses in humans, a team of French and American scientists, including Michael E. Baker, PhD, professor in UC San Diego's department of medicine, division of nephrology-hypertension, have found that -- contrary to earlier assumptions -- enzymes used for the synthesis of steroids in insects, snails, octopuses and corals are unrelated to those used in humans.