Physiological adaptation or pathological events: the case of the endocrine system

Physiological processes are continually under adaptation in response to external signals. The endocrine system is one of the most adaptive system because its efficiency depends on its capability to react to external or internal signals: light, temperature, hormones,… Under certain conditions, the adaptive process becomes disregulated leading to pathological process. In order to assess the impact of different xeno-molecules, toxicologists try to develop tools to better understand adaptive mechanisms and predict adverse effects. But, these tools are actually missing complete and integrative process underestimating some effects (related to immune system for instance) or overestimated others (binding tests on hormonal receptors). The present talks will provide new tracks to develop more integrative process to assess effects of xeno-molecules on complex organism.