Mammalian Toxicology Introduction Comments

Welcome to Mammalian Toxicology at the University of Massachusetts at Boston.

I am Dr. Kenneth Campbell, the course developer and director.

I come to this course with a background in chemistry, biochemistry, reproductive endocrinology, and human ecology.

My doctoral dissertation on the effects of o,p'- DDT on the development of the steroid producing tissues of the male rat was published by the EPA in 1977. It was one of the first studies leading to our present understanding of endocrine disruption by pesticides in mammals.

I have been at UMass for 20 years. My research focuses on reproductive endocrinology, the impact environmental variables have on it, and the development of analytical methods for testing endocrine status in field settings.

This course builds on the similarities between endocrinology and toxicology and places special emphasis on the problems of developmental, reproductive, and endocrine toxicity. By exploring basic principles and case studies using a text, computerized discussions, and a major project, the course attempts to achieve 5 goals:

To learn the foundations of toxicology including chemical and biological testing.

To explore the commonalities between toxicology, endocrinology, and pharmacology.

To investigate the nature of chemical exposures and their associated risks.

To examine the problems of health and the environment caused by exposure to toxins.

And, to try to uncover the existing gaps in current theory and knowledge in mammalian toxicology.

Again, I welcome you as we begin to explore this exciting and timely subject.
Thank you.