Effects of Phthalates on Testosterone Production in Fetal Testis
Author Information
Author(s): Nina Walker, Marion McKinnell, Chris Mahood, I. Kim Scott, Hayley Bayne, Rosemary Coutts, Shiona Anderson, Richard A. Greig, Irene Morris, Keith Sharpe
Primary Institution: MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Hypothesis
Do di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) and its metabolite monobutyl phthalate (MBP) affect testosterone production and Leydig cell aggregation in fetal testis explants from rats and humans?
Conclusion
The study suggests that MBP/DBP suppresses steroidogenesis by fetal-type Leydig cells in primates as in rodents, but this cannot be studied in vitro.
Supporting Evidence
- DBP exposure in utero significantly suppressed testosterone production in fetal rats.
- MBP treatment in neonatal marmosets significantly suppressed blood testosterone levels.
- Short-term DBP treatment induced Leydig cell aggregation in fetal rats.
Takeaway
This study looked at how certain chemicals might affect baby rats and marmosets' ability to make a hormone called testosterone, which is important for male development.
Methodology
Fetal testis explants from rats and humans were cultured with or without DBP/MBP and stimulated with hCG or 22R-hydroxycholesterol.
Limitations
The in vitro effects observed may not accurately reflect in vivo conditions, and the human fetal testis explants showed no significant effects.
Participant Demographics
Fetal testis explants from rats (gestation day 19.5) and humans (15-19 weeks of gestation); neonatal male marmosets.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.019
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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