Effects of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on testes in rats in vitro.
The phthalate esters have been used as plasticizers for various plastic products, and their testicular toxicity has been reported. In this study, the effects of mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), one of the phthalate esters, on prepubertal rat testes in vitro were examined. The testes of 20-day-old Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were cut into smaller pieces and seeded in medium, and then the specimens were obtained for light and transmission electron microscopic observations. As a result, at 1 hr after exposure to MEHP, TUNEL-positive spermatogenic cells were identified, and they gradually increased in number in time- and dose-dependent manners. Ultrastructurally, apoptotic spermatogenic cells (characterized with chromatin condensation, cytoplasm shrinkage without membrane rupture, still-functioning cell organelles, and packed cell contents in membrane-bounded bodies), necrotic spermatogenic cells (characterized with swollen and ruptured mitochondria, plasma membrane lysis, spilt cell contents, and chromatin clumps), apoptotic Sertoli cells (highly condensed nuclei and nuclear membrane lysis) and necrotic Sertoli cells (marginated chromatins along the nuclear membrane, some swollen and ruptured cell organelles, e.g. mitochondria) could be identified. Conclusively, based on transmission electron microscopic observations, MEHP treatment may affect spermatogenic cells, and lead them to necrosis. Thus, testicular tissue cultures and cell cultures are of advantageous for screening testicular toxicity of chemicals.
Andriana
Bibin Bintang
BB
Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Tay
Tat Wei
TW
Tachiwana
Tsuyoshi
T
Sato
Takeshi
T
Ishii
Maki
M
Awal
Mohammad Abdul
MA
Kanai
Yoshiakira
Y
Kurohmaru
Masamichi
M
Hayashi
Yoshihiro
Y
D000818:Animals; D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D012708:Sertoli Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects
D004051:Diethylhexyl Phthalate; C016599:mono-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate