“…In fact, numerous metals, including As, Hg, Au, and Cd, have mechanistically been shown to alter HPA physiology including direct action on glucocorticoid receptor binding or activity (Brkljacic et al, 2004; Elez et al, 2001; Makino et al, 1996; Spuches and Wilcox, 2008). EAMs alter levels of steroid hormones along the HPA axis in human studies and animal models (Appleton et al, 2017; Barros et al, 2004; Berger et al, 2002; Bodwell et al, 2006; Braun et al, 2014; Caldwell et al, 2015a; Cory-Slechta et al, 1998; Cory-Slechta et al, 1999; Davey et al, 2007; Desaulniers et al, 2013; Haider et al, 2013; Martinez-Tellez et al, 2009; Rossi-George et al, 2011; Rothenberg et al, 2016; Souza-Talarico et al, 2017; Virgolini et al, 2008a). In fact, developmental exposure to EAMs, Pb, MeHg, and As, produce protracted, lifelong HPA axis dysregulation.…”