Numerous studies have evaluated the endocrine effects of UV
fi
lters in vertebrates, but little attention has
been paid to their possible hormonal activity in invertebrates. We examined the effects of
benzophenone-3 (BP-3), one of the most common sunscreen agents, in
Chironomus riparius
(Insecta), a
reference organism in aquatic toxicology. Salivary glands from larvae were treated with either the
hormone ecdysone or BP-3 to compare the response of endocrine genes. It was found that BP-3 elicits the
same effects as the natural hormone activating the expression of a set of ecdysone responsive genes. BP-3
also activated the stress gene
hsp70
. Interestingly, similar effects have been con
fi
rmed
in vivo
in embryos.
Moreover, BP-3 also altered embryogenesis delaying hatching. This is the
fi
rst demonstration of hor-
monal activity of UV
fi
lters in invertebrates, showing a mode of action similar to ecdysteroid hormones.
This
fi
nding highlights the potential endocrine disruptive effects of these emergent pollutants