Solid phase extraction equipment for use in conjunction with scintillation counting

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This laboratory studies the ways in which environmental sources of natural estrogens and unnatural estrogen-like substances (xenoestrogens) can affect physiology and behaviour. We study how these substances can be absorbed into the body and bind in reproductive tissues and parts of the brain. We do this by tracing natural estrogens such as estradiol (E2), from sources in urine and perspiration of other individuals, and xenoestrogens such as bisphenol A (BPA), a contaminant from polycarbonate plastics that is found in some foods and household items. We use radiolabelled versions of these molecules (3H-E2 and 14C-BPA) to trace their passage from the environment right into parts of the individual's body, using laboratory mice. It is very important that we determine the extent to which these substances are metabolized (conjugated) by enzymes in the liver and elsewhere in the body, as opposed to remaining in bioactive form that can affect estrogen receptors and alter physiology and behaviour. This equipment is for a process called solid phase extraction (SPE), which is very effective is separating the bioactive and conjugated forms of the molecules. We will use this SPE equipment to treat tissue samples that we take from the brain, reproductive organs, and other parts of mice exposed to 3H-E2, 14C-BPA, or other substances. The equipment will allow us to homogenize the tissue so that all of the molecules of interest are available, then to separate the components of the molecules into the portions that are bioactive and conjugated. We then will be able to measure the radioactivity in the two components and quantify them. By determining how much remains bioactive, we will be able to assess whether or not the molecules from the environment can have an impact on reproductive physiology and behaviour.