Evaluation of the Rodent Hershberger Assay Using Three Reference Endocrine Disruptors (Androgen and Antiandrogens)

The study evaluated the sensitivity of the rat Hershberger assay in detecting endocrine-disrupting activities of three chemicals: finasteride (FIN), procymidone (PRO), and 17α-methyltestosterone (MT). Conducted as part of the OECD's phase-2 validation exercise, the assay involved castrated male Sprague–Dawley rats treated with these chemicals over 10 days. The results showed statistically significant changes in sex accessory tissue (SAT) weights, confirming the assay's sensitivity to both androgenic and antiandrogenic activities. The study aimed to standardize the Hershberger assay protocol for reliable detection of endocrine disruptors, contributing to international efforts to assess chemicals' hormonal activities.