Inhibitory effect of tributyltin on expression of steroidogenic enzymes in mouse testis.
Tributyltin (TBT) is known to disrupt the development of reproductive organs, thereby reducing fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the acute toxicity of TBT on the testicular development and steroid hormone production. Immature (3-week-old) male mice were given a single administration of 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg of TBT by oral gavage. Lumen formation in seminiferous tubule was remarkably delayed, and the number of apoptotic germ cells found inside the tubules was increased in the TBT-exposed animals, whereas no apoptotic signal was observed in interstitial Leydig cells. Reduced serum testosterone concentration and down-regulated expressions of the mRNAs for cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 17alpha -hydroxylase/C(17-20) lyase (P450(17alpha)), 3beta -hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (3beta -HSD), and 17beta -hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase (17beta -HSD) were also observed after TBT exposure. Altogether, these findings demonstrate that exposure to TBT is associated with induced apoptosis of testicular germ cells and inhibition of steroidogenesis by reduction in the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in interstitial Leydig cells. These adverse effects of TBT would cause serious defects in testicular development and function.
Kim
Suel-Kee
SK
Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Kim
Jong-Hoon
JH
Han
Jung Ho
JH
Yoon
Yong-Dal
YD
D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000235:genetics; D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002786:Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000187:drug effects; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D013254:Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase / Q000235:genetics; D013256:Steroids / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013737:Testis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D014220:Trialkyltin Compounds / Q000633:toxicity*
D013256:Steroids; D014220:Trialkyltin Compounds; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol; C011559:tributyltin; D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; D013254:Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase; D002786:Cholesterol Side-Chain Cleavage Enzyme