Effects of In Utero Exposure to 4-hydroxy-2,3,3',4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (4-OH-CB107) on Developmental Landmarks, Steroid Hormone Levels, and Female Estrous Cyclicity in Rats

I.A.T.M. Meerts, S. Hoving, J.H.J. van den Berg, B.M. Weijers, J.J.M. Swarts, E.M. van der Beek, A. Bergman, J.H. Koeman

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Abstract

Previous studies have revealed that one of the major metabolites of PCBs detected in human blood, 4-OH-2,3,3',4',5-pentaCB (4-OH-CB107), accumulated in fetal liver, brain, and plasma and reduced maternal and fetal thyroid hormone levels after prenatal exposure to pregnant rats from gestational days (GD) 10¿16. In the present study, the effects of 4-OH-CB-107 on developmental landmarks, steroid hormone levels, and estrous cyclicity of rat offspring after in utero exposure to 4-OH-CB107 was investigated. Pregnant rats were exposed to 0, 0.5, and 5.0 mg 4-OH-CB107 per kg bw from GD 10 to GD 16. Another group of rats was exposed to Aroclor 1254 (25 mg/kg bw) to study the differences between effects caused by parent PCB congeners and the 4-OH-CB107 alone. A significant, dose-dependent prolongation of the estrous cycle was observed in 75% and 82% of female offspring exposed to 0.5 and 5.0 mg 4-OH-PCB107, respectively, compared to 64% of Aroclor 1254 (25 mg/kg) exposed offspring. The diestrous stage of the estrous cycle was prolonged, resembling a state of pseudopregnancy, which might reflect early signs of reproductive senescence. Plasma estradiol concentrations in female rat offspring were significantly increased (50%) in the proestrous stage after exposure to 5 mg 4-OH-CB107 per kg bw. No effects on estradiol levels were observed in Aroclor 1254 treated animals. These results indicate that in utero exposure to 4-OH-CB107 leads to endocrine-disrupting effects, especially in female offspring. The possible impact on neurobehavior following exposure to 4-OH-CB107 will be reported elsewhere
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)259-267
JournalToxicological sciences
Volume82
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2004

Keywords

  • polychlorinated-biphenyls aroclor-1254
  • hydroxylated pcb metabolites
  • reproductive decline
  • mouse
  • hypothyroidism
  • dioxins
  • dibenzofurans
  • inhibition
  • induction
  • estradiol

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