CHAPTER 10: In Vitro Receptor Binding Assays Check Access

This chapter discusses the methods, use and value of receptor binding assays in the contemporary world of identifying and regulating risk of putative endocrine disruptors. Estrogen and androgen receptor systems are emphasized, as part of the US EPA’s Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program Tier 1 battery of 11 assays. Basic methods of solubilized binding assays are presented along with methods of calculation and interpretation results. Binding properties of a suspected weak estrogen receptor modulator are shown as examples. Relative advantages and drawbacks of the solubilized receptor binding approach are then presented, with respect to other in vitro and in vivo approaches, and in light of the importance of reducing, refining, and replacing animal consumption in toxicology testing.