Prepubertal exposure to 4-tert-octylphenol induces apoptosis of testicular germ cells in adult rat.
The effects of chronic exposure of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) on the testicular development of prepubertal male rats were evaluated. 4 weeks old rats were injected with 0.8 microg of estradiol valerate (EV) or 20, 40, or 80mg of OP three times a week for one month. A marked reduction of the size and weight of the testis, epididymis, and seminal vesicle was observed in all the three dosages. Serum testosterone concentration was dramatically decreased while serum LH concentration was increased. Seminiferous tubules were reduced in size and showed no mature spermatozoa or late-stage developing spermatids. In addition, testicular germ cells undergoing apoptosis were obviously increased in all the treated groups. The expression of bcl-xL mRNA was significantly decreased in the OP treated groups, whereas the expressions of bcl-2 and bax mRNA were not significantly changed. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that OP severely reduce the size and/or function of the male reproductive organs due to increased apoptosis of testicular germ cells and the decreased biosynthesis of testosterone.
Kim
Suel-Kee
SK
Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Life Science, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea.
Lee
Ho-Joon
HJ
Yang
Hyunwon
H
Kim
Ho-Seung
HS
Yoon
Yong-Dal
YD
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D001835:Body Weight; D004822:Epididymis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D015870:Gene Expression; D019254:Genes, bcl-2 / Q000235:genetics; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D010636:Phenols / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D012669:Seminal Vesicles / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013737:Testis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000254:growth & development*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein; D051020:bcl-X Protein
C494828:Bax protein, rat; C494813:Bcl2l1 protein, rat; D010636:Phenols; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D051028:bcl-2-Associated X Protein; D051020:bcl-X Protein; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; C105260:4-tert-octylphenol