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Harada M, Akita K. Mouse vaginal development with lateral enlargement at late embryonic stages and caudal elongation after birth. Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2023; 63:30-39. [PMID: 36517931 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Müllerian ducts give rise to the oviducts, uterus, cervix, and vagina. During female reproductive tract development in mice, the bilateral Müllerian duct epithelium grows caudally until reaching the urogenital sinus epithelium. This is followed by further caudal growth with the reduction of the urogenital sinus epithelium. Finally, the vaginal epithelium of adult mice is entirely derived from the Müllerian duct epithelium. Here, we explored the mechanisms underlying mouse vaginal development via cell proliferation, apoptosis, and lineage analyses. We found that at the late embryonic stages, apoptosis occurred at the attachment site of bilateral Müllerian duct epithelia below the cervix, resulting in bilateral lumen traffic. The Müllerian duct epithelium was enclosed by the urogenital sinus epithelium at their boundary region on embryonic day (E) 16.5, whereas the Müllerian duct epithelium encased the urogenital sinus epithelium at postnatal day (P) 0 through lateral enlargement. Lateral Müllerian duct enlargement was accompanied by focal ERK activation within the curved epithelial tips and the specific localization of mitotic nuclei on the luminal side of the Müllerian duct epithelial layer at E17.5. Descent of the Müllerian duct epithelium and shortening of the urogenital sinus epithelium occurred rapidly after birth, accompanied by cell proliferation in the Müllerian duct epithelium and its peripheral mesenchymal tissues as well as intense apoptosis in the urogenital sinus epithelium around their boundary region. Urogenital sinus epithelium was localized at the base of the vagina at P7. In conclusion, the mouse vagina develops laterally at the late embryonic stages and caudally after birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayo Harada
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichi Akita
- Department of Clinical Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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2
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Yu Z, Zhan Q, Chen A, Han J, Zheng Y, Gong Y, Lu R, Zheng Z, Chen G. Intermittent fasting ameliorates di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced precocious puberty in female rats: A study of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Reprod Biol 2021; 21:100513. [PMID: 34049116 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate has been reported to interfere with the development and function of animal reproductive systems. However, hardly any studies provide methods to minimize or prevent the adverse effects of DEHP on reproduction. The energy balance state of mammals is closely related to reproductive activities, and the reproductive axis can regulate reproductive activities according to changes in the body's energy balance state. In this study, the effects of every other day fasting (EODF), as a way of intermittent fasting, on preventing the precocious puberty induced by DEHP in female rats was studied. EODF significantly improved the advancement of vaginal opening age (as the markers of puberty onset) and elevated serum levels of luteinizing hormone and estradiol (detected by ELISA) induced by 5 mg kg-1 DEHP exposure (D5). The mRNA and western blot results showed that the EODF could minimized the increase of gonadotropin-releasing hormone expression induced by DEHP exposure. The administration of DEHP could elevate the levels of kisspeptin protein and the number of kisspeptin-immunoreactive neurons in anteroventral periventricular nucleu, and this increase was diminished considerably by EODF treatment. In contrast, the D5 and D0 groups showed no remarkable difference in the level of Kiss1 expression in arcuate nucleus, whereas the D5 + EODF group had a remarkable decrease in kisspeptin expression as compared with the other two groups. Our results indicated that EODF might inhibit the acceleration of puberty onset induced by DEHP exposure via HPG axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Yu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Fujian Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Qiufeng Zhan
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Ayun Chen
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Junyong Han
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Fujian Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Fujian Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, 350001, China; Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yuqing Gong
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Rongmei Lu
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China; Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Zeyu Zheng
- Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Analysis, Fujian Academy of Medical Sciences, Fuzhou, 350001, China; Shengli Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China; Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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3
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Becaro AA, de Oliveira LP, de Castro VLS, Siqueira MC, Brandão HM, Correa DS, Ferreira MD. Effects of silver nanoparticles prenatal exposure on rat offspring development. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 81:103546. [PMID: 33186674 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Many types of nanocomposites employed in food packaging are based on silver nanoparticles (AgNP) because of their antibacterial properties, which can increase food shelf-life. As the commercialization of AgNP products has been expanding, the released of such nanoparticles in the environment has caused enormous concern, once they can pose potential risks to the environment and human beings. For instance, exposure of the maternal environment to nanomaterials during pregnancy may impact the health of the dam, fetus and offspring. In this context, here we investigated the effects of prenatal exposure of AgNP on the pregnancy outcomes of dams and postnatal development of their offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats were exposed to distinct AgNP concentrations (0, 1, 3 and 5 μg/kg/day) from beginning to the end of pregnancy. At parturition, newborns were observed regarding clinical signs of toxicity and survival rate. The offspring was examined by evaluating developmental endpoints. A delay in time for vaginal opening and testes descent were detected in the offspring exposed to AgNP during embryonic development. Our results indicate that prenatal exposure to AgNP can compromise neonatal rats' postnatal development, especially the reproductive features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline A Becaro
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia (PPG-Biotec), Centro de Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia (CCET), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; EMBRAPA Instrumentação, Rua XV de Novembro, 1452, 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Luzia P de Oliveira
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Avenida Cesare Mansueto Giulio Lattes, 1201, 12247-014, São José dos Campos, SP, Brazil
| | - Vera L S de Castro
- EMBRAPA Meio Ambiente, Rodovia SP 340 Km 127.5, Postal Box 69, Jaguariúna, SP, 13918-110, Brazil
| | - Maria C Siqueira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia (PPG-Biotec), Centro de Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia (CCET), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; EMBRAPA Instrumentação, Rua XV de Novembro, 1452, 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Humberto M Brandão
- EMBRAPA Gado de Leite, Avenida Rádio Maia, 830 - Zona Rural, 79106-550, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | - Daniel S Correa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia (PPG-Biotec), Centro de Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia (CCET), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; EMBRAPA Instrumentação, Rua XV de Novembro, 1452, 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcos David Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biotecnologia (PPG-Biotec), Centro de Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia (CCET), Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Rodovia Washington Luís, km 235, 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; EMBRAPA Instrumentação, Rua XV de Novembro, 1452, 13560-970, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
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Harlow K, Ferreira CR, Sobreira TJP, Casey T, Stewart K. Lipidome profiles of postnatal day 2 vaginal swabs reflect fat composition of gilt's postnatal diet. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0215186. [PMID: 31557164 PMCID: PMC6762109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We hypothesized that postnatal development of the vagina is impacted by early nutritional environment. Our objective was to determine if lipid profiles of vaginal swabs were different between postnatal gilts suckled by sow or fed milk replacer the first 48 h after birth, with or without a lard-based fat supplement. Gilts (>1.3 kg) were selected at birth across 8 litters and assigned to one of four treatments: 1) suckled by sow (S, n = 8); 2) suckled by sow plus administration of a fat supplement (SF, n = 5); 3) bottle-fed solely milk replacer (B, n = 8); or 4) bottle-fed solely milk replacer plus administration of a fat supplement (BF, n = 7). At 48 h postnatal, vaginal swabs of gilts were taken with a cytology brush, and lipids were extracted for analysis using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM)-profiling. Lipids extracted from serum collected at 48 h from gilts, milk collected at 24 h from sows, and milk replacer were also analyzed with MRM-profiling. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis found 18 lipids recovered from vaginal swabs that highly distinguished between S and B gilts [area-under-the-curve (AUC) > 0.9], including phosphatidylethanolamine with 34 carbons and four unsaturations in the fatty acyl residues [PE (34:4)]. Twelve lipids from vaginal swabs highly correlated (r > 0.6; p < 0.01) with nutrition source. Lipids with greater abundance in milk replacer drove association. For example, mean intensity of PE (34:4) was 149-fold higher in milk replacer than colostrum. Consequently, PE (34:4) was found to have 1.6- and 2.12-fold higher levels in serum and vaginal swab samples (p < 0.001), respectively, of B gilts as compared to S gilts. Findings support that vaginal swabs can be used to noninvasively study effects of perinatal nutrition on tissue composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- KaLynn Harlow
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Christina R. Ferreira
- Metabolomics Core, Bindley Science Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Tiago J. P. Sobreira
- Metabolomics Core, Bindley Science Center, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Theresa Casey
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kara Stewart
- Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
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Cunha GR, Robboy SJ, Kurita T, Isaacson D, Shen J, Cao M, Baskin LS. Development of the human female reproductive tract. Differentiation 2018; 103:46-65. [PMID: 30236463 PMCID: PMC6234064 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Development of the human female reproductive tract is reviewed from the ambisexual stage to advanced development of the uterine tube, uterine corpus, uterine cervix and vagina at 22 weeks. Historically this topic has been under-represented in the literature, and for the most part is based upon hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Recent immunohistochemical studies for PAX2 (reactive with Müllerian epithelium) and FOXA1 (reactive with urogenital sinus epithelium and its known pelvic derivatives) shed light on an age-old debate on the derivation of vaginal epithelium supporting the idea that human vaginal epithelium derives solely from urogenital sinus epithelium. Aside for the vagina, most of the female reproductive tract is derived from the Müllerian ducts, which fuse in the midline to form the uterovaginal canal, the precursor of uterine corpus and uterine cervix an important player in vaginal development as well. Epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation markers are described during human female reproductive tract development (keratins, homeobox proteins (HOXA11 and ISL1), steroid receptors (estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor), transcription factors and signaling molecules (TP63 and RUNX1), which are expressed in a temporally and spatially dynamic fashion. The utility of xenografts and epithelial-mesenchymal tissue recombination studies are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Stanley J Robboy
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, DUMC 3712, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Takeshi Kurita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ohio State University, 812 Biomedical Research Tower, 460 W. 12th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dylan Isaacson
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Joel Shen
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Laurence S Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, 400 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Shen J, Isaacson D, Cao M, Sinclair A, Cunha GR, Baskin L. Immunohistochemical expression analysis of the human fetal lower urogenital tract. Differentiation 2018; 103:100-119. [PMID: 30287094 PMCID: PMC6589035 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We have studied the ontogeny of the developing human male and female urogenital tracts from 9 weeks (indifferent stage) to 16 weeks (advanced sex differentiation) of gestation by immunohistochemistry on mid-sagittal sections. Sixteen human fetal pelvises were serial sectioned in the sagittal plane and stained with antibodies to epithelial, muscle, nerve, proliferation and hormone receptor markers. Key findings are: (1) The corpus cavernosum in males and females extends into the glans penis and clitoris, respectively, during the ambisexual stage (9 weeks) and thus appears to be an androgen-independent event. (2) The entire human male (and female) urethra is endodermal in origin based on the presence of FOXA1, KRT 7, uroplakin, and the absence of KRT10 staining. The endoderm of the urethra interfaces with ectodermal epidermis at the site of the urethral meatus. (3) The surface epithelium of the verumontanum is endodermal in origin (FOXA1-positive) with a possible contribution of Pax2-positive epithelial cells implying additional input from the Wolffian duct epithelium. (4) Prostatic ducts arise from the endodermal (FOXA1-positive) urogenital sinus epithelium near the verumontanum. (5) Immunohistochemical staining of mid-sagittal and para-sagittal sections revealed the external anal sphincter, levator ani, bulbospongiosus muscle and the anatomic relationships between these developing skeletal muscles and organs of the male and female reproductive tracts. Future studies of normal human developmental anatomy will lay the foundation for understanding congenital anomalies of the lower urogenital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Shen
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Dylan Isaacson
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Mei Cao
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Adriane Sinclair
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Gerald R Cunha
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Laurence Baskin
- Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States; Division of Pediatric Urology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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Iwasa T, Matsuzaki T, Tungalagsuvd A, Munkhzaya M, Yiliyasi M, Kato T, Kuwahara A, Irahara M. Effects of chronic DHEA treatment on central and peripheral reproductive parameters, the onset of vaginal opening and the estrous cycle in female rats. Gynecol Endocrinol 2016; 32:752-755. [PMID: 27019210 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2016.1163672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The neonatal and/or prepubertal androgen milieu affects sexual maturation and reproductive function in adulthood. However, the effects of chronic dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment on reproductive functions have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, the reproductive phenotypes and parameters of rats that had been subjected to chronic DHEA treatment were evaluated in this study. The chronic DHEA-treated (from postnatal day 23-12 weeks of age) rats exhibited earlier vaginal opening, indicating that DHEA treatment promotes sexual maturation. In addition, the estrus phase lasted longer in the DHEA-treated rats, suggesting that their estrous cycles had been disrupted. As the DHEA-treated rats' serum luteinizing hormone levels and hypothalamic Kiss1 mRNA expression levels were decreased and their uterine weight was increased, DHEA and/or estrogen might directly affect reproductive phenotypes. While DHEA treatment caused changes in body weight and body composition in chronic testosterone-treated models in previous studies, no such changes were seen in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Iwasa
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School , Tokushima , Japan
| | - Toshiya Matsuzaki
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School , Tokushima , Japan
| | - Altankhuu Tungalagsuvd
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School , Tokushima , Japan
| | - Munkhsaikhan Munkhzaya
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School , Tokushima , Japan
| | - Mayila Yiliyasi
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School , Tokushima , Japan
| | - Takeshi Kato
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School , Tokushima , Japan
| | - Akira Kuwahara
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School , Tokushima , Japan
| | - Minoru Irahara
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University Graduate School , Tokushima , Japan
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de Barros AL, Rosa JL, Cavariani MM, Borges CS, Villela e Silva P, Bae JH, Anselmo-Franci JA, Cristina Arena A. In utero and lactational exposure to fipronil in female rats: Pregnancy outcomes and sexual development. J Toxicol Environ Health A 2016; 79:266-73. [PMID: 27074097 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2016.1149132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Fipronil, a phenylpyrazole insecticide, is used in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and public health. Because this insecticide is considered a potential endocrine disruptor, the aim of this study was to examine the influence of perinatal exposure to fipronil on neonatal female reproductive system development. Pregnant rats were exposed (via gavage) daily to fipronil (0.03, 0.3, or 3 mg/kg) from gestational day 15 to day 7 after birth, and effects on the reproductive functions assessed on postnatal day (PND) 22. No signs of maternal toxicity were observed during daily treatment with fipronil. Perinatal exposure to the highest dose of fipronil (3 mg/kg) delayed the age of vaginal opening (VO) and first estrus without markedly affecting the anogenital distance (AGD). Further, exposure to 0.3 mg/kg fipronil produced a significantly shorter estrus cycle and reduced number of cycles during the period of evaluation. However, the other reproductive parameters analyzed, including fertility, hormone levels, sexual behavior, and histology of ovaries and uterus, displayed no marked alterations. In this experimental model, fipronil interfered with development of neonatal female reproductive system as evidenced by delay in VO and estrus cycle alterations without apparent significant effects on fertility. Further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms of action associated with the observed female reproductive system changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Lima de Barros
- a Department of Morphology , Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP)-Botucatu , São Paulo State , Brazil
| | - Josiane Lima Rosa
- a Department of Morphology , Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP)-Botucatu , São Paulo State , Brazil
| | - Marília Martins Cavariani
- a Department of Morphology , Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP)-Botucatu , São Paulo State , Brazil
| | - Cibele Santos Borges
- a Department of Morphology , Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP)-Botucatu , São Paulo State , Brazil
| | - Patrícia Villela e Silva
- a Department of Morphology , Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP)-Botucatu , São Paulo State , Brazil
| | - Julie Heejoo Bae
- a Department of Morphology , Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP)-Botucatu , São Paulo State , Brazil
| | - Janete Aparecida Anselmo-Franci
- b Department of Physiology , Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo (USP) , Ribeirão Preto , São Paulo , Brazil
| | - Arielle Cristina Arena
- a Department of Morphology , Institute of Biosciences of Botucatu, Univ Estadual Paulista (UNESP)-Botucatu , São Paulo State , Brazil
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Abstract
Gels are one of the soft material platforms being evaluated to deliver topically acting anti-HIV drugs (microbicides) to the vaginal environment. For each drug, its loaded concentration, gel properties and applied volume, and frequency of dosing can be designed to optimize PK and, thence, PD. These factors also impact user sensory perceptions and acceptability. Deterministic compartmental modeling of vaginal deployment and drug delivery achieved by test gels can help delineate how multiple parameters characterizing drug, vehicle, vaginal environment, and dosing govern details of PK and PD and also gel leakage from the canal. Such microbicide delivery is a transport process combining convection, e.g., from gel spreading along the vaginal canal, with drug diffusion in multiple compartments, including gel, mucosal epithelium, and stroma. The present work builds upon prior models of gel coating flows and drug diffusion (without convection) in the vaginal environment. It combines and extends these initial approaches in several key ways, including: (1) linking convective drug transport due to gel spreading with drug diffusion and (2) accounting for natural variations in dimensions of the canal and the site of gel placement therein. Results are obtained for a leading microbicide drug, tenofovir, delivered by three prototype microbicide gels, with a range of rheological properties. The model includes phosphorylation of tenofovir to tenofovir diphosphate (which manifests reverse transcriptase activity in host cells), the stromal concentration distributions of which are related to reference prophylactic values against HIV. This yields a computed summary measure related to gel protection ("percent protected"). Analyses illustrate tradeoffs amongst gel properties, drug loading, volume and site of placement, and vaginal dimensions, in the time and space history of gel distribution and tenofovir transport to sites of its anti-HIV action and concentrations and potential prophylactic actions of tenofovir diphosphate therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Room 136 Hudson Hall, Box 90281, Durham, NC, 27708, USA,
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10
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Salian-Mehta S, Xu M, Pierce A, Bliesner B, Tobet S, Wierman ME. Loss of Growth arrest specific gene 6 (Gas6) results in altered GnRH neuron migration, delayed vaginal opening and sexual maturation in mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 393:164-70. [PMID: 24978606 PMCID: PMC4130768 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2014] [Revised: 06/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Prior work has shown the importance of TAM (Tyro3, Axl, Mer) receptor tyrosine kinases in GnRH neuronal development and reproductive function. It is unclear if TAM receptor actions are dependent on ligand activation for their functional effects; thus, we characterized reproductive phenotype of ligand Growth arrest specific gene (Gas6) null mice. Gas6 null mice showed delayed vaginal opening and delayed first estrus. Animals eventually attained normal estrous cycles as adults. The GnRH neuronal population was significantly decreased in Gas6 null adults and embryos, but the final positioning of cell bodies in the hypothalamus was normal. Vaginal tissue showed up-regulation of TAM receptor mRNAs in the absence of the ligand. These data confirm that Gas6 plays a role in early GnRH neuronal development and during vaginal opening. The phenotype of Gas6 KO mice suggests that TAMs function in a ligand-dependent and independent manner to control GnRH neuron development to modulate normal reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Salian-Mehta
- Departments of Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Mei Xu
- Departments of Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Angela Pierce
- Departments of Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Brian Bliesner
- Departments of Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Stuart Tobet
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Margaret E Wierman
- Departments of Medicine, University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Research Service VAMC, Denver, CO 80220, USA.
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Ito T, Bai T, Tanaka T, Yoshida K, Ueyama T, Miyajima M, Negishi T, Kawasaki T, Takamatsu H, Kikutani H, Kumanogoh A, Yukawa K. Estrogen-dependent proteolytic cleavage of semaphorin 4D and plexin-B1 enhances semaphorin 4D-induced apoptosis during postnatal vaginal remodeling in pubescent mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e97909. [PMID: 24841081 PMCID: PMC4026538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0097909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Around the fifth week after birth, the vaginal cavity in female mouse pups opens to the overlaying skin. This postnatal tissue remodeling of the genital tract occurs during puberty, and it largely depends upon hormonally induced apoptosis that mainly occurs in the epithelium at the lower part of the mouse vaginal cavity. Previously, we showed that most BALB/c mice lacking the class IV Semaphorin (Sema4D) develop imperforate vagina and hydrometrocolpos; therefore, we reasoned that the absence of Sema4D-induced apoptosis in vaginal epithelial cells may cause the imperforate vagina. Sema4D signals via the Plexin-B1 receptor; nevertheless detailed mechanisms mediating this hormonally triggered apoptosis are not fully documented. To investigate the estrogen-dependent control of Sema4D signaling during the apoptosis responsible for mouse vaginal opening, we examined structural and functional modulation of Sema4D, Plexin-B1, and signaling molecules by analyzing both wild-type and Sema4D−/− mice with or without ovariectomy. Both the release of soluble Sema4D and the conversion of Plexin-B1 by proteolytic processing in vaginal tissue peaked 5 weeks after birth of wild-type BALB/c mice at the time of vaginal opening. Estrogen supplementation of ovariectomized wild-type mice revealed that both the release of soluble Sema4D and the conversion of Plexin-B1 into an active form were estrogen-dependent and concordant with apoptosis. Estrogen supplementation of ovariectomized Sema4D−/− mice did not induce massive vaginal apoptosis in 5-week-old mice; therefore, Sema4D may be an essential apoptosis-inducing ligand that acts downstream of estrogen action in vaginal epithelium during this postnatal tissue remodeling. Analysis of ovariectomized mice also indicated that Sema4D contributed to estrogen-dependent dephosphorylation of Akt and ERK at the time of vaginal opening. Based on our results, we propose that apoptosis in vaginal epithelium during postnatal vaginal opening is induced by enhanced Sema4D signaling that is caused by estrogen-dependent structural changes of Sema4D and Plexin-B1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuji Ito
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Tao Bai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Tanaka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kenji Yoshida
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Ueyama
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Masayasu Miyajima
- Laboratory Animal Center, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takayuki Negishi
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takahiko Kawasaki
- Division of Brain Function, National Institute of Genetics, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (Sokendai), Mishima, Japan
| | - Hyota Takamatsu
- Department of Immunopathology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kikutani
- Department of Molecular Immunology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kumanogoh
- Department of Immunopathology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Kazunori Yukawa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Meijo University, Nagoya, Japan
- * E-mail:
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12
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Moran MJ, Ayala ME, Gallegos E, Romero J, Chavira R, Damián-Matsumura P, Domínguez R. Effects of systemic administration or intrabursal injection of serotonin on puberty, first ovulation and follicular development in rats. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013; 25:1105-14. [PMID: 23174218 DOI: 10.1071/rd12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2012] [Accepted: 10/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To elucidate the role of serotonin in the onset of puberty, the effects of both systemic and in-ovarian bursa administration of serotonin on the neuroendocrine mechanism that modulates the onset of puberty, follicular development and first ovulation were evaluated. Two experiments were carried out. For the first, 25 or 37.5 mg kg–1 of bodyweight of serotonin creatinine sulfate was administered by a subcutaneous route to 30-day-old female rats. In the second experiment, serotonin creatinine sulfate was administered directly into the ovarian bursa of 34-day-old female rats. Systemic administration of 25 or 37.5 mg kg–1 of serotonin creatinine sulfate induced a delay in the ages of vaginal opening and first vaginal oestrus, a decrease in the number of ovulating animals, and serum concentrations of FSH, LH, oestradiol and progesterone. An increase in the number of Class 3 (>500 μm) and atretic follicles was observed in the ovaries of these animals. The administration of serotonin creatinine sulfate in the ovarian bursa did not modify the onset of puberty and ovulation, but a reduced serum concentration of oestradiol was observed. Our results suggest that serotonin acts on the components of the hypothalamus–hypophysis–ovary axis by modulating follicular development, ovarian functions and the onset of puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Moran
- Unidad de Investigación en Biología de la Reproducción, Laboratorio de Pubertad. Facultad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza, UNAM. AP 9-020, CP 15000, México D.F., México
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13
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Abstract
Puberty onset in mammals is affected by multiple genetic and environmental factors. Among which, the maternal effect could have played a considerable role. In our previous study, we found that the F1 offspring from reciprocal crosses between C3H/HeJ (C3H) and C57BL/6J (B6) mice differed significantly in the timing of puberty in both sexes, though they had identical genomic background. In order to dissect the causative factors to such phenomenon of maternal effect, embryos from reciprocal crosses of C3H/HeJ and C57BL/6J mice were collected and transplanted to the uterus of either strain of mothers, and the puberty onset of pups were compared between different recipient mothers and egg origins. The results showed that the male pups from C3H recipient mothers attained puberty onset earlier than those from B6 recipients significantly, while the female pups did not show such difference. On the other hand, the egg origin made no difference in the puberty onset of either sex, yet it influenced the birth weight of female pups significantly (p<0.05). The manipulation of embryo transplantation delayed the puberty onset of pups dramatically. A mitochondria substitution strain between B6 and C3H (BmC), which had the genome background of B6 and a mitochondrial hyplotype of C3H, had the same phenotype of puberty onset as B6. The integrated results indicated that the uterine environment was the major causative factors to the maternal effect on the differential puberty onset in reciprocal crosses of F1 hybrids between B6 and C3H mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhou
- The College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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14
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Laggari V, Christogiorgos S, Deligeoroglou E, Tsiantis J, Creatsas G. [Uterovaginal agenesis and polycystic ovary syndrome: psychological disturbance in adolescence]. Psychiatriki 2012; 23:203-211. [PMID: 23073543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) is characterized by complete or partial absence of the vagina, uterus and proximal fallopian tubes and diagnosis is usually made in late adolescence, when primary amenorrhea appears as the major symptom. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which is the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, includes a variety of clinical manifestations (menstrual irregularities, hirsuitism, acne, alopecia, obesity and infertility), due to androgen hypersecretion, insulin resistance and chronic anovulation. Both MRKHS and PCOS have been studied concerning the psychological aspects and have been associated with emotional distress as well as self-esteem, body image, identity and femininity impairment. The purpose of this study was to assess psychological functioning in adolescents with uterovaginal agenesis and primary amenorrhea due to MRKHS and those with hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea due to PCOS, compared with healthy adolescents. The participants were 70 adolescent girls, of whom 24 with MRKHS, 22 with PCOS and 24 healthy eumenorrheic adolescents (control group) matched by age and school grade. Psychological assessment included self report questionnaires, standardized in Greek population sample. Particularly, the "Beck Depression Inventory" (BDI), the "State-Trait Anxiety Inventory" (STAI-Gr) and the "Youth Self Report" (YSR) were used to measure depression, anxiety and psychopathology respectively, while the "Symptom Checklist-90-R" was used to measure psychopathology for the patients >18 years old. The results showed significantly higher scores on the state - anxiety scale for the MRKHS group compared with the control group. The MRKHS patients in late adolescence (18-20 years old) presented also significantly higher scores in depression and psychopathology scales (symptoms of anxiety, aggressive behavior and phobic disorder) than PCOS patients of the same age. On the contrary, regarding PCOS patients, age was negative correlated with attention problems and PCOS patients >18 reported significantly more somatic complaints compared with age-mate MRKHS patients and controls. PCO syndrome's clinical manifestations, including menstrual disorders, hirsuitism, acne, alopecia, obesity and infertility, may cause significant emotional distress. Nevertheless, they appear in great variety and our sample is characterized by mild features of hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea. This may explain findings of milder psychological disturbance associated with PCOS in this sample in comparison to other studies. As far as MRKHS is concerned, diagnosis and loss of reproductive ability, especially in late adolescence, obstruct emotional stability, physical maturity and sexual identity development ending that are expected in this period of life. Undoubtedly, the management of MRKHS in adolescence constitutes a complex multidisciplinary issue and psychological support of patients is needed in order to prevent possible psychological consequences and to achieve a normal transition to adulthood. Among the limitations of this study is the small sample size, which limits the generalisability of the reported results, especially in "Youth Self Report" and in "Symptom Checklist-90-R" questionnaires, where the sample was divided according to the age. Nevertheless, the very low incidence of MRKHS (1/5000) emphasize the value of the present results, which support the need for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Laggari
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens
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15
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Deboer MD, Steinman J, Li Y. Partial normalization of pubertal timing in female mice with DSS colitis treated with anti-TNF-α antibody. J Gastroenterol 2012; 47:647-54. [PMID: 22322660 PMCID: PMC3378759 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0542-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Accepted: 12/26/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and resultant colitis occurring prior to puberty are frequently associated with delayed puberty and losses of growth and bone mineralization. Some of this delay may be due to colonic inflammation and associated systemic inflammation. To date no treatments for IBD have been shown to normalize the timing of puberty. Our objective in this study was to determine whether there is a normalization of the timing of puberty during treatment of colitis using monoclonal antibodies (abs) to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. METHODS We induced colitis in 23-day-old C57Bl6 female mice using 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 7 days, followed by removal of DSS for an additional 3 days, resulting in 10 days of worsening colitis. DSS-treated mice received either TNF-α ab or Control ab on days 4 and 8 of colitis, while non-colitic Control mice received injections of TNF-α ab (Control + TNF-α ab). All groups were followed for the timing of vaginal opening until day of life 33, when they were euthanized for serum and colon collection. RESULTS The DSS + TNF-α ab group had lower levels of systemic interleukin (IL)-6 and a partial normalization of the timing of vaginal opening compared to the DSS + Control ab group. There were no differences in weight gain, growth, or colon histological inflammatory scores between the DSS + TNFα ab and DSS + Control ab groups over the course of the experiment. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that anti-TNF-α ab treatment causes a partial normalization of pubertal timing coincident with decreased systemic inflammation in DSS colitis. These data may have implications regarding growth and bone mineralization outcomes in pediatric IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Daniel Deboer
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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16
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Abstract
The light/dark cycle and suprachiasmatic nucleus rhythmicity are known to have important influences on reproductive function of rodents. We studied reproductive function in female heterozygous and homozygous brain and muscle ARNT-like protein 1 (Bmal1, also known as Arntl) null mice, which lack central and peripheral cellular rhythms. Heterozygous Bmal1 mice developed normally and were fertile, with apparent normal pregnancy progression and litter size, although postnatal mortality up to weaning was high (1.1-1.3/litter). The genotype distribution was skewed with both heterozygous and null genotypes underrepresented (1.0:1.7:0.7; P<0.05), suggesting loss of a single Bmal1 allele may impact on postnatal survival. Homozygous Bmal1 null mice were 30% lighter at weaning, and while they grew at a similar rate to the wild-type mice, they never achieved a comparable body weight. They had delayed vaginal opening (4 days), disrupted estrus cyclicity, and reduced ovarian weight (30%). Bmal1 null mice had a 40% reduction in ductal length and a 43% reduction in ductal branches in the mammary gland. Surprisingly, the Bmal1 mice ovulated, but progesterone synthesis was reduced in conjunction with altered corpora lutea formation. Pregnancy failed prior to implantation presumably due to poor embryo development. While Bmal1 null ovaries responded to pregnant mare serum gonadotropin/human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation, ovulation rate was reduced, and the fertilized oocytes progressed poorly to blastocysts and failed to implant. The loss of Bmal1 gene expression resulted in a loss of rhythmicity of many genes in the ovary and downregulation of Star. In conclusion, it is clear that the profound infertility of Bmal1 null mice is multifactorial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Boden
- School of Paediatrics and Reproductive Health, Robinson Institute, Research Centre for Reproductive Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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17
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Abstract
The report that intervention during the juvenile-pubertal period in rats modifies the phenotype induced by prenatal nutrition suggests some degree of plasticity in the juvenile-pubertal period. It is not known whether consumption of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) during the juvenile-pubertal period will affect the growth and onset of puberty in rats. The present study was therefore designed to investigate this. Weaned 21-days-old rats, whose mothers were given food and water ad libitum during pregnancy and lactation, were divided randomly into three groups of nine rats each. Control group had tap water only while the extract groups had 0.6 g extract/100 mL and 1.8 g extract/100 mL as their drinking solution throughout the juvenile-pubertal period [postnatal day (PND) 21-puberty onset]. From PND 30 onwards, the rats were inspected daily for vaginal opening, which was used as the index for puberty onset. Rats in the HS groups (0.6 and 1.8 g/100 mL) drank less fluid (solution of HS extract and water) and consumed less food compared with the control group at all periods of measurement. The weight of 0.6 g/100 mL was not different from the control whereas 1.8 g/100 mL was lower at PND 28, similar at PND 35 and higher at PND 42 compared with the control. Puberty onset in the HS groups was significantly delayed compared with the control. It is concluded that consumption of aqueous extract of HS during the juvenile-pubertal period decreased fluid and food consumption, increased weight gain and delayed puberty onset in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- E E Iyare
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu State, Nigeria
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18
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Kamiya K, Sato T, Nishimura N, Goto Y, Kano K, Iguchi T. Expression of estrogen receptor and proto-oncogene messenger ribonucleic acids in reproductive tracts of neonatally diethylstilbestrol-exposed female mice with or without post-puberal estrogen administration. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2009; 104:111-22. [PMID: 8740934 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1211432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal treatment of female mice with natural and synthetic estrogens including diethylstilbestrol (DES) results in estrogen-independent persistent proliferation and cornification of the vaginal epithelium. The dynamics of the induction of estrogen receptor (ER), c-jun, c-fos and c-myc mRNAs by 17 beta-estradiol (E2) was examined in the uterus and vagina of neonatally DES-exposed and -unexposed ovariectomized adult mice. In the uterus of neonatally DES-unexposed ovariectomized mice, the expression of ER mRNA increased within 1 h after E2 administration and declined by 12 h thereafter. ER mRNA in the vagina decreased within 1 h after the stimulation and recovered by 12 h thereafter. In the uterus, c-jun and c-fos mRNAs increased in concentration within 1 h after E2 administration, showing a peak 3 h after the stimulation; they decreased with time thereafter. In the vagina, the concentration of c-jun and c-fos mRNAs increased rapidly, reaching a peak within 1 h after the stimulation. However, the expression of c-myc in uterus and vagina was not changed by postpuberal E2. These results suggest that estrogen regulation of ER and proto-oncogene mRNAs in the vagina differs from those in the uterus. In the neonatally DES-exposed ovariectomized adult mice, uterine ER mRNA expression levels were significantly higher than in the unexposed ovariectomized controls; however, vaginal levels were drastically lower than in the controls. Expression of c-jun and c-fos mRNAs was greater in both the uterus (3- and 6-fold, respectively) and the vagina (18- and 4-fold) of neonatally DES-exposed mice than in controls. The ER mRNA and the increased levels of c-fos and c-jun mRNAs in both uterus and vagina of neonatally DES-exposed ovariectomized mice were not further altered by post-puberal E2 and may be related to ovary-independent persistent changes in the genital tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Kamiya
- Graduate School of Integrated Science, Yokohama City University, Japan
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19
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Delclos KB, Weis CC, Bucci TJ, Olson G, Mellick P, Sadovova N, Latendresse JR, Thorn B, Newbold RR. Overlapping but distinct effects of genistein and ethinyl estradiol (EE(2)) in female Sprague-Dawley rats in multigenerational reproductive and chronic toxicity studies. Reprod Toxicol 2009; 27:117-32. [PMID: 19159674 PMCID: PMC2706590 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2008.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2008] [Revised: 12/05/2008] [Accepted: 12/19/2008] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Genistein and ethinyl estradiol (EE(2)) were examined in multigenerational reproductive and chronic toxicity studies that had different treatment intervals among generations. Sprague-Dawley rats received genistein (0, 5, 100, or 500 ppm) or EE(2) (0, 2, 10, or 50 ppb) in a low phytoestrogen diet. Nonneoplastic effects in females are summarized here. Genistein at 500 ppm and EE(2) at 50 ppb produced similar effects in continuously exposed rats, including decreased body weights, accelerated vaginal opening, and altered estrous cycles in young animals. At the high dose, anogenital distance was subtly affected by both compounds, and a reduction in litter size was evident in genistein-treated animals. Genistein at 500 ppm induced an early onset of aberrant cycles relative to controls in the chronic studies. EE(2) significantly increased the incidence of uterine lesions (atypical focal hyperplasia and squamous metaplasia). These compound-specific effects appeared to be enhanced in the offspring of prior exposed generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Barry Delclos
- National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA.
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20
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Dallegrave E, Mantese FD, Oliveira RT, Andrade AJM, Dalsenter PR, Langeloh A. Pre- and postnatal toxicity of the commercial glyphosate formulation in Wistar rats. Arch Toxicol 2007; 81:665-73. [PMID: 17634926 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-006-0170-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2006] [Accepted: 11/14/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Glyphosate is the active ingredient and polyoxyethyleneamine is the surfactant present in the herbicide Roundup formulation commercialized in Brazil. The aim of this study was to assess the reproductive effects of glyphosate-Roundup on male and female offspring of Wistar rats exposed during pregnancy and lactation. Dams were treated orally with water or 50, 150 or 450 mg/kg glyphosate during pregnancy (21-23 days) and lactation (21 days). These doses do not correspond to human exposure levels. The results showed that glyphosate-Roundup did not induce maternal toxicity but induced adverse reproductive effects on male offspring rats: a decrease in sperm number per epididymis tail and in daily sperm production during adulthood, an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperms and a dose-related decrease in the serum testosterone level at puberty, and signs of individual spermatid degeneration during both periods. There was only a vaginal canal-opening delay in the exposed female offspring. These findings suggest that in utero and lactational exposure to glyphosate-Roundup may induce significant adverse effects on the reproductive system of male Wistar rats at puberty and during adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliane Dallegrave
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite 500 sala 202, 90046-900, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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21
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Laws SC, Stoker TE, Ferrell JM, Hotchkiss MG, Cooper RL. Effects of altered food intake during pubertal development in male and female wistar rats. Toxicol Sci 2007; 100:194-202. [PMID: 17728285 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfm219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently validating assays that will be used in a Tier I Screening Battery to detect endocrine disrupting chemicals. A primary concern with the Protocols for the Assessment of Pubertal Development and Thyroid Function in Juvenile Male and Female Rats is that a nonspecific reduction in body weight (BWT) during the exposure period may potentially confound the interpretation of effects on the endocrine endpoints. Wistar rats were underfed 10, 20, 30, or 40% less than the ad libitum food consumed by controls from postnatal days (PNDs) 22 to 42 (females) or PNDs 23 to 53 (males). Terminal BWT of females and males were 2, 4, 12, and 19% and 2, 6, 9, and 19% lower than controls, respectively. In the females, neither the age of pubertal onset nor any of the thyroid hormone endpoints were affected by food restriction (FR) that led to a 12% decrease in BWT. Similarly, none of the male reproductive endpoints examined were altered by FR that led to a 9% BWT decrease. However, decreased triiodothyronine and thyroxin was observed in FR males with a 9% reduced BWT. While these data support the use of the maximum tolerated dose for BWT (10%) for the female protocol, effects on the male thyroid endpoints indicate that a slightly lower limit (<or= 6% BWT loss) may be appropriate for the male pubertal protocol, and in cases where the BWT loss approaches 9-10%, additional studies and/or a weight of evidence approach should be used when interpreting the data for the thyroid endpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Laws
- National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA.
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22
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Hotchkiss AK, Furr J, Makynen EA, Ankley GT, Gray LE. In utero exposure to the environmental androgen trenbolone masculinizes female Sprague-Dawley rats. Toxicol Lett 2007; 174:31-41. [PMID: 17931805 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2007.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2007] [Revised: 08/20/2007] [Accepted: 08/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Recently, the occurrence of environmental contaminants with androgenic activity has been described from pulp and paper mill effluents and beef feedlot discharges. A synthetic androgen associated with beef production is trenbolone acetate, which is used to promote growth in cattle. A primary metabolite, 17beta Trenbolone (TB), has been characterized as a potent androgen in both in vitro and in vivo studies with rats. The current study was designed to characterize the permanent morphological and functional consequences of prenatal TB exposure on female rats compared with those produced in an earlier study with testosterone propionate (TP). Female rat offspring were exposed to 0mg/day, 0.1mg/day, 0.5mg/day, 1.0mg/day, or 2.0mg/day TB on gestational days 14-19. The 0.5mg/day, 1.0mg/day, or 2.0mg/day TB groups displayed increases in neonatal anogenital distance (AGD) which persisted in the high dose group. Puberty was delayed in the high dose group and there were increased incidences of external genital malformations and the presence of male prostatic tissue in the 0.5mg/day, 1.0mg/day, or 2.0mg/day groups. These changes were associated with amniotic fluid concentrations of TB that compare favorably with concentrations known to be active in both in vitro systems and in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- A K Hotchkiss
- Reproductive Toxicology Division, Endocrinology Branch, MD 72, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
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23
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Lee CK, Kang HS, Kim JR, Lee BJ, Lee JT, Kim JH, Kim DH, Lee CH, Ahn JH, Lee CU, Yu SJ, Kang SG. Effects of aroclor 1254 on the expression of the KAP3 gene and reproductive function in rats. Reprod Fertil Dev 2007; 19:539-47. [PMID: 17524298 DOI: 10.1071/rd06117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2006] [Accepted: 03/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of aroclor 1254 (A1254) on the expression of the kinesin superfamily associated protein 3 (KAP3) gene in F1 rat brain during brain sexual differentiation and puberty. In addition, the effects of A1254 on reproductive function were examined. The KAP3 gene is involved in the neurogenesis and synaptogenesis of sexual differentiation in rats and also during puberty. In the present study, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats each received a daily dose of A1254 (0, 10, 50 mg kg(-1)) dissolved in 1.0 mL corn oil by gavage, from gestational Day (GD) 8 to postnatal Day (PD) 21. The mRNA levels of the KAP3 gene in hypothalamic tissues were analysed by northern blot hybridisation during the critical periods of brain sexual differentiation (GD18 and PD5) and puberty (PD28). Variables affecting reproduction in F1 female rats, such as vaginal opening (VO), vaginal oestrus (VE) and oestrous cyclicity, were recorded. Depending on the sex and A1254 exposure (control or 50 mg kg(-1) day(-1)), F1 rats were divided into three mating groups, namely control male-control female, control male-A1254-treated female and A1254-treated male-control female. During the critical periods of brain sexual differentiation (GD18, PD5) and puberty (PD28), KAP3 mRNA levels were significantly reduced in A1254-treated fetal and pubertal rat brains relative to those of control groups. In A1254-treated F1 female rats, VO and VE were delayed, the percentage of irregular oestrous cycles was increased and the duration of the oestrous cycle was extended in a dose-dependent manner compared with control groups. Treatment with a high dose of A1254 significantly impaired the reproductive function of both male and female F1 rats, including mating and pregnancy indices and the number of live fetuses. These data suggest that A1254 disrupts transcriptional regulation of the KAP3 gene in fetal and pubertal rat brains and that these effects may be related to A1254-induced abnormal brain sexual differentiation and lowered reproductive function in F1 rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chae Kwan Lee
- Institute of Industrial Medicine, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University, Busan 614-735, South Korea
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24
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Butler MP, Trumbull JJ, Turner KW, Zucker I. Timing of puberty and synchronization of seasonal rhythms by simulated natural photoperiods in female Siberian hamsters. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2007; 293:R413-20. [PMID: 17491109 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00216.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The timing of puberty is a critical life history trait of short-lived species; spring-born individuals mature rapidly and breed in the season of birth, whereas young born in mid- to late summer delay puberty until the next spring. The cues that govern the transition from rapid to delayed maturation in natural populations remain unknown. To identify ecologically relevant photoperiod cues that control timing of puberty, we monitored nine cohorts of female Siberian hamsters ( Phodopus sungorus) born every 2 wk from 4 wk before to 12 wk after the summer solstice in a simulated natural photoperiod (SNP). Hamsters born by the summer solstice underwent rapid somatic growth and achieved puberty that summer; among females born 2–4 wk after the solstice, some delayed puberty by many weeks, whereas others manifested early puberty. Hamsters born 6 or more weeks after the solstice generally delayed puberty until the following spring. The transition from accelerated to delayed pubertal development in the SNP occurred at day lengths that induce early puberty when presented as static photoperiods. Despite differences in timing of birth and timing of puberty, fall and subsequent spring seasonal events occurred at similar calendar dates in all cohorts. We found no evidence that prenatal photoperiod history influenced postnatal development of female hamsters. Considered together with a parallel study on males, the present findings point to sex differences in responsiveness to natural photoperiod variations. In both sexes, incrementally changing photoperiods exert a strong organizing effect on seasonal rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Butler
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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25
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Sun Y, Tian Z, Zhao H, Wong STC, Chen B. Characteristic of hypothalamic kisspeptin expression in the pubertal development of precocious female rats. Neurosci Lett 2007; 420:12-7. [PMID: 17442487 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2007.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2007] [Revised: 03/20/2007] [Accepted: 04/01/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the potential role of kisspeptin in the advance onset of puberty in precocious puberty, model rats induced by danazol were used to study the developmental expression of hypothalamic kisspeptin. Kisspeptin immunoreactive cells were observed in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), periventricular nucleus (PeN) and preoptic area (POA) in model rats on the day of onset-puberty. On the day of post-puberty, however, the number of kisspeptin immunoreactive cells in ARC and PeN decreased while the number of those cells in POA increased. Kisspeptin immunoreactive cells were not detected in hypothalamus in both normal and model rats at their pre-puberty stages. Furthermore, the expression of hypothalamic Kiss-1 mRNA reached top on the day of onset-puberty in both of the normal and model rats, and the expression of Kiss-1 mRNA increased significantly in the model rats compared with those in the normal ones. Our results indicated that kisspeptin might involve in the advance onset of puberty in danazol induced female precocious model rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Sun
- Department of Neurobiology and Integrative Medicine, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University (Formerly Shanghai Medical University), P.O. Box 291, 138 Yi-Xue-Yuan Road, 200032 Shanghai, PR China
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26
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Abstract
Changes of estrous cycles with aging of F344/N rats between 1 and 30 months of age (M) were monitored by vaginal smear cytology. The vaginal opening and first cornified cell phase were identified at 1.3 +/- 0.1 M and 1.5 +/- 0.2 M, respectively. Thereafter, estrous cycles showed about 5-day intervals, and ceased at 16.4 +/- 1.2 M. Thereafter irregular appearance of single cornified cell phases without the preceding of nucleated cell phases interspersed with a predominant leukocyte phase was seen in vaginal smears until 26.9 +/- 0.5 M. Growing and mature follicles as well as corpora lutea persisted until at least 30 M, and characterized the post reproductive aging of F344/N females. The F344/N rats seem to resemble humans in that the cessation of estrous cycles occurs at approximately half their entire lifespan. However, other aging characteristics are unknown in postmenopausal women. Therefore, we must be careful when extrapolating the aging changes of reproduction in F344/N rats to human beings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Sone
- Animal Facility for Aging Research, National Institute for Longevity Sciences, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
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27
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Takashima-Sasaki K, Mori C, Komiyama M. Exposure of juvenile female mice to isoflavone causes lowered expression of estrogen-related receptor gamma gene in vagina. Reprod Toxicol 2007; 23:507-12. [PMID: 17478075 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2007.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2006] [Revised: 03/01/2007] [Accepted: 03/29/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, the vaginal opening (VO) day of C57BL/6 mice was accelerated several days by chronic exposure to a 0.05% isoflavone (IF) fortified diet. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the acceleration of VO by IF (1) has a critical window, (2) is modified by IF exposure combined with 17beta-estradiol (E2), and (3) has any relation with gene expressions of estrogen-related receptors (ERRs). As a result, we determined that the critical window for the acceleration of VO was between 15 and 21 days postnatal. The combined effect of E2 and IF was thought to be additional in the acceleration of VO. The gene expression of ERRgamma was significantly decreased in vagina by IF. The reduction of ERRgamma may have two possible sequelae: disarrangement of vaginal development and high risk of vaginal cancer. In conclusion, IF exposure has a critical window for acceleration of VO and may have adverse effect on mouse vagina.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Dietary Supplements/toxicity
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Down-Regulation
- Estradiol/toxicity
- Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics
- Estrogen Receptor beta/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental/drug effects
- Isoflavones/toxicity
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Pregnancy
- Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism
- Receptors, Estrogen/genetics
- Receptors, Estrogen/metabolism
- Sexual Maturation/drug effects
- Sexual Maturation/genetics
- Time Factors
- Uterus/drug effects
- Uterus/metabolism
- Vagina/drug effects
- Vagina/growth & development
- Vagina/metabolism
- Vaginal Neoplasms/chemically induced
- Vaginal Neoplasms/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoka Takashima-Sasaki
- Department of Bioenvironmental Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuoku, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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28
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Balasinor N, Bhan A, Paradkar NS, Shaikh A, Nandedkar TD, Bhutani KK, Roy-Chaudhury M. Postnatal development and reproductive performance of F1 progeny exposed in utero to an ayurvedic contraceptive: Pippaliyadi yoga. J Ethnopharmacol 2007; 109:406-11. [PMID: 17088035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2006.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2006] [Revised: 08/01/2006] [Accepted: 08/11/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Pippaliyadi yoga or pippaliyadi vati is an ayurvedic contraceptive used in India since ancient times. It is a combination of powdered fruit berries of Embelia ribes Burm.f. (Myrsinaceae), Piper longum L. (Piperaceae) and borax in equal proportion. Though the contraceptive potential is known since ancient times, no systematic developmental toxicity studies have been carried out. The present study was carried out to evaluate the postnatal developmental toxicity and the reproductive performance of the progeny exposed in utero to pippaliyadi. Pippaliyadi yoga was obtained from National Institute for Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), India and the developmental toxicity was studied by administering three doses, viz. 140, 300 and 700 mg/(kg day) to gravid females from day 6 to day 16 of gestation. Pippaliyadi did not have any adverse developmental effects with low doses, however, with the five times higher dose, a decrease in body weight of the pups was observed. The reproductive performance of the progeny born to mothers treated with pippaliyadi was not significantly affected. The present study suggests that in utero exposure to pippaliyadi does not have any adverse effect on the postnatal development and reproductive performance of the F(1) progeny.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafisa Balasinor
- National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health (ICMR), J.M. Street, Parel, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India.
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29
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Grande SW, Andrade AJM, Talsness CE, Grote K, Golombiewski A, Sterner-Kock A, Chahoud I. A dose–response study following in utero and lactational exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): Reproductive effects on adult female offspring rats. Toxicology 2007; 229:114-22. [PMID: 17098345 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2006.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2006] [Revised: 10/10/2006] [Accepted: 10/10/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used in numerous consumer products, mainly imparting flexibility and durability to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based plastics. It is a known reproductive and developmental toxicant in male rodents. However, data regarding effects of DEHP on female reproductive health are particularly sparse. We performed an extensive dose-response study following developmental exposure to DEHP and evaluated the effects on adult female reproductive function. Two wide ranges of doses, low and high, were tested. Female Wistar rats were treated daily with DEHP and peanut oil (vehicle control) by gavage from gestation day 6 to lactation day 21. The low doses were: 0.015, 0.045, 0.135, 0.405 and 1.215mgDEHP/kg/bw/day and the high doses were: 5, 15, 45, 135 and 405mg DEHP/kg/bw/day. At the doses tested, no effects on organ (liver, kidney, spleen, thymus, thyroid, ovary and uterus) or body weights were detected. Female offspring presented a normal pattern of estrous cyclicity with no hormonal alterations (serum estradiol and progesterone). A statistically significant increase in tertiary atretic follicles was observed at the highest dose (405mgDEHP/kg/day). Morphometric analysis indicated that uterus and vagina luminal epithelial cell height were unaffected by treatment. An increase in the number of ovarian atretic tertiary follicles was the only effect observed in adult female offspring exposed in utero and during lactation to DEHP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone W Grande
- Charité University Medical School Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Toxicology, Garystrasse 5, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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30
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Wood CE, Appt SE, Clarkson TB, Franke AA, Lees CJ, Doerge DR, Cline JM. Effects of high-dose soy isoflavones and equol on reproductive tissues in female cynomolgus monkeys. Biol Reprod 2006; 75:477-86. [PMID: 16723506 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.052142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Soy isoflavonoids have well-established estrogenic properties in cell culture and rodent models, raising concerns that high isoflavonoid intake may promote development of uterine and breast cancers. To address this concern we evaluated the effects of high-dose isoflavonoid supplements on reproductive tissues in a postmenopausal primate model. Thirty adult female ovariectomized monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were randomized to receive a control diet 1) alone, 2) with 509 mg/day of the soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein (IF), or 3) with 1020 mg/day of racemic equol (EQ), an isoflavan, for approximately 1 mo. Doses are expressed in aglycone units as calorically scaled human equivalents. Total serum isoflavonoid levels 4 h postfeeding were <20 nmol/L, 2570.7 nmol/L, and 6944.8 nmol/L for control, IF, and EQ groups, respectively. Equol was the predominant serum isoflavonoid in both IF (72.5%) and EQ (99.7%) groups. Aglycones represented 0.9% (IF) and 0.5% (EQ) of total serum isoflavonoids. Histologically, uteri and mammary glands were diffusely atrophic in all groups. Uterine weight, endometrial thickness, glandular area, and epithelial proliferation in the uterus were not significantly different among treatment groups (ANOVA P > 0.1 for all). Endometrial progesterone receptor gene expression was significantly increased in the IF group (P = 0.02), while protein expression was not altered (ANOVA P > 0.1). Within the mammary gland, proliferation and indicators of estrogen exposure did not differ among treatment groups (ANOVA P > 0.1 for all). These findings indicate that high doses of dietary soy isoflavonoids have minimal uterotrophic or mammotrophic effects in an established primate model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Wood
- Department of Pathology/Section on Comparative Medicine, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27157-1040, USA.
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31
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Grote K, Andrade AJM, Grande SW, Kuriyama SN, Talsness CE, Appel KE, Chahoud I. Effects of peripubertal exposure to triphenyltin on female sexual development of the rat. Toxicology 2006; 222:17-24. [PMID: 16464526 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2006.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2005] [Revised: 01/06/2006] [Accepted: 01/07/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Triphenyltin (TPT) belongs to the group of organotin compounds which have been shown to affect reproduction in mammals. It is used as a fungicide and antifouling agent and the main source of human exposure is via food. We studied the effects of 2 or 6 mg TPT/kg bw on female sexual development using a modification of the Rodent 20-Day Thyroid/Pubertal Female Assay. Moreover, the effect of TPT before the onset of puberty was investigated. Beginning at postnatal day (PND) 23 female Wistar rats were treated per gavage until either PND 33 or the first estrus after PND 53. A delay in the completion of vaginal opening (VO) was observed in the 6 mg TPT group, while the 2mg TPT group showed advanced VO. Significantly increased ovarian weights were observed in both treatment groups. Steroid hormone levels and ovarian aromatase activity were affected after exposure to 6 mg TPT/kg bw, while treatment with 2mg TPT/kg bw resulted in minor changes of these endpoints. We conclude that peripubertal exposure to 6 mg TPT/kg bw, and to a lesser extent to 2mg TPT/kg bw, affects female sexual development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstanze Grote
- Inst. of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Charité University Medical School, Campus Benjamin Franklin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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32
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Yin Y, Lin C, Ma L. MSX2 promotes vaginal epithelial differentiation and wolffian duct regression and dampens the vaginal response to diethylstilbestrol. Mol Endocrinol 2006; 20:1535-46. [PMID: 16513791 PMCID: PMC1483067 DOI: 10.1210/me.2005-0451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) leads to patterning defects in the female reproductive tract (FRT) and a propensity to the development of vaginal adenocarcinomas in humans. In the mouse, DES treatment similarly induces a plethora of FRT developmental defects, including stratification of uterine epithelium and presence of glandular tissue in cervix and vagina. Uterine abnormalities are associated with repression of the homeobox gene Msx2, and DES leads to an altered uterine response in Msx2 mutants including a dilated uterine lumen. Here we investigate the role of Msx2 in normal vaginal development and in FRT response to DES. During vaginal development, Msx2 is required for Tgfbeta2 and Tgfbeta3 expression and for proper vaginal epithelial differentiation. Moreover, Msx2 is involved in caudal Wolffian duct regression by promoting apoptosis. Consistently, neonatal DES exposure represses Msx2 expression in the Wolffian duct epithelium and inhibits its apoptosis and subsequent regression. Intriguingly, although DES treatment also represses Msx2 expression in the vaginal epithelium, a much more severe DES-induced vaginal phenotype was observed in Msx2 mutant mice, including a complete failure of Müllerian vaginal epithelial stratification and a severely dilated vaginal lumen, accompanied by loss of p63 and water channel protein expression. These results demonstrate a critical role for Msx2 in counteracting the effect of DES on FRT patterning and suggest that the response to DES may be highly variable depending on the genotype of an individual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and
| | - Congxing Lin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and
- Department of Molecular Biology and Pharmacology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110
- †Author for correspondence: Liang Ma, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8123, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, Tel: (314) 454-8771, Fax: (314) 454-5626,
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33
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Grande SW, Andrade AJM, Talsness CE, Grote K, Chahoud I. A Dose-Response Study Following In Utero and Lactational Exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate: Effects on Female Rat Reproductive Development. Toxicol Sci 2006; 91:247-54. [PMID: 16476687 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfj128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalates, a class of chemicals used as plasticizers, are economically important due to several industrial applications. Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is the most commonly used phthalate plasticizer, and it has been described as a potent antiandrogen in males. We performed an extensive dose-response study following developmental exposure to DEHP and evaluated the effects on female reproductive development. Two wide ranges of doses that included dose levels relevant for human exposure as well as high doses typically used in toxicological studies were tested. Female Wistar rats were treated daily with DEHP and peanut oil (vehicle control) by gavage from gestation day 6 to lactation day 22. The low doses were 0.015, 0.045, 0.135, 0.405, and 1.215 mg DEHP/kg body weight (bw)/day, and the high doses were 5, 15, 45, 135, and 405 mg DEHP/kg bw/day. At the dose levels tested, no signs of maternal toxicity were observed. A significant delay in the age at vaginal opening (approximately 2 days) at 15 mg DEHP/kg bw/day and above, as well as a trend for a delay in the age at first estrus at 135 and 405 mg DEHP/kg bw/day (approximately 2 days), was observed. Liver enlargement (characteristic of phthalate exposure in rats) was limited to the 135- and 405-mg DEHP/kg bw/day doses. Anogenital distance and nipple development were unaffected. Based on the results of delayed pubertal onset, the no observed adverse effect level for female reproductive development may be set at 5 mg DEHP/kg bw/day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Wichert Grande
- Department of Toxicology, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité University Medical School Berlin, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Ishitobi H, Watanabe C. Effects of low-dose perinatal cadmium exposure on tissue zinc and copper concentrations in neonatal mice and on the reproductive development of female offspring. Toxicol Lett 2005; 159:38-46. [PMID: 15894438 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2005.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2005] [Revised: 04/20/2005] [Accepted: 04/20/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
It has been suggested that the toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) are the result of interactions with essential metals, such as zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). Previous studies have shown altered Zn and/or Cu levels in the tissues of rodents that drank water supplemented with >50 ppm Cd. To evaluate the effects of lower level Cd exposure on maternal and neonatal Zn and Cu levels and on the reproductive organs of female offspring, mice were exposed to 0, 1 and 10 ppm Cd in the drinking water from conception to 10 days after birth. The Cd concentrations in the brains of the offspring were higher in the exposed group than in the control group at birth. In the kidneys and livers, the Cd concentrations were higher in the Cd-exposed group 10 days after birth. At birth, increased Zn concentrations were observed in the kidneys and livers of the Cd-exposed offspring, although the Cd concentrations in these tissues did not differ between the exposed and non-exposed groups. The hepatic Cu concentrations of the exposed mice tended to be lower than those of the control mice at birth and were significantly lower 10 days after birth. In addition, Cd exposure tended to delay the timing of vaginal opening and perturbed the estrous cycles of the female offspring. These findings suggest that perinatal Cd exposure, even at low levels, affects the Zn and Cu concentrations of neonates and the reproductive functions of female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiromi Ishitobi
- Department of Human Ecology, School of International Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
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35
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Abstract
The morphology and physiology of the vulva and vagina change over a lifetime. The most salient changes are linked to puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. The cutaneous epithelia of the mons pubis, labia, and clitoris originate from the embryonic ectoderm and exhibit a keratinized, stratified structure similar to the skin at other sites. The mucosa of the vulvar vestibule, which originates from the embryonic endoderm, is non-keratinized. The vagina, derived from the embryonic mesoderm, is responsive to estrogen cycling. At birth, the vulva and vagina exhibit the effects of residual maternal estrogens. During puberty, the vulva and vagina acquire mature characteristics in a sequential fashion in response to adrenal and gonadal maturation. A trend to earlier pubertal onset has been observed in Western developed countries. In women of reproductive age, the vaginal mucosa responds to steroid hormone cycling, exhibiting maximal thickness and intracellular glycogen content at mid-cycle. Vulvar skin thickness remains unchanged but menstrual cycle-associated changes in ortho- and parakeratosis occur at the cytological level. The vulva and vagina further adapt to the needs of pregnancy and delivery. After menopause, tissue atrophy ensues. Post-menopausal changes in skin barrier function, skin hydration, and irritant susceptibility have been observed on exposed skin but not on the vulva. Nevertheless, older women with incontinence are at increased risk for developing incontinence dermatitis. A combination of factors, such as tissue atrophy, slower dissipation of excess skin hydration, shear forces associated with limited mobility, and lower tissue regeneration capacity increase the risk of morbidity from incontinence dermatitis in older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Farage
- The Procter & Gamble Company, Feminine Care Clinical Sciences, Winton Hill Technical Center, 6110 Center Hill Rd, Box 136, Cincinnati, OH 45224, USA.
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36
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Masui F, Kurosaki K, Mori T, Matsuda M. Persistent trefoil factor 1 expression imprinted on mouse vaginal epithelium by neonatal estrogenization. Cell Tissue Res 2005; 323:167-75. [PMID: 16133145 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-005-0049-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2005] [Accepted: 06/27/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of female mice to estrogenic substances during the neonatal period induces developmental defects in the reproductive tract such as estrogen-independent persistent proliferation of the vaginal epithelium, which often leads to carcinogenesis in adulthood. In this study, several estrogen-regulated genes have been identified in the neonatal mouse vagina by DNA microarray hybridization analysis. Among the genes up-regulated in the developing vagina by a high dose of estrogen, trefoil factor 1 (TFF1), a mucin-associated gastrointestinal growth factor, showed a unique expression pattern in accordance with the irreversible changes induced by neonatal estrogenization in the vagina. Vaginal expression of TFF1 mRNA was markedly increased by estrogen in neonatal mice but not in adults, and pronouncedly intensified expression of the gastrointestinal gene was observed in the vagina of neonatally estrogenized mice even at adulthood. The specific localization of TFF1 protein in the epithelium of neonatally estrogenized vagina was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Moreover, without any obvious alteration in the expression of gel-forming mucin genes, the lumen of the neonatally estrogenized vagina became filled with periodic-acid-Schiff-stained mucinous gel, which was possibly caused by the overexpression of TFF1. Thus, estrogen acts directly on the developing vagina in the permanent induction of TFF1 gene expression, and the gene induction does not appear to be related to hypermethylation of the cis-promoter of the TFF1 gene. TFF1 may be a useful marker for developmental estrogenization syndrome of the mouse vagina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujiko Masui
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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37
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Presibella KM, Kita DH, Carneiro CB, Andrade AJM, Dalsenter PR. Reproductive evaluation of two pesticides combined (deltamethrin and endosulfan) in female rats. Reprod Toxicol 2005; 20:95-101. [PMID: 15808792 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2004.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2004] [Revised: 10/21/2004] [Accepted: 11/13/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Data from in vitro studies suggest that the pesticides deltamethrin (D) and endosulfan (E) exert estrogen-like effects. There is concern that interaction between weakly estrogenic compounds can increase their estrogenic potency. The aim of the present study was to determine estrogenic activity in an animal model and the possible female reproductive adverse effects of these pesticides combined. Wistar rats received daily (po), from day 6 of pregnancy to day 21 of lactation, deltamethrin and endosulfan concomitantly: D: 2.0 mg/kg+E: 1.5 mg/kg, or D: 3.0 mg/kg+E: 2.0 mg/kg, or D: 4.0 mg/kg+E: 3.0mg/kg. Some offspring also were exposed directly after weaning. Maternal and reproductive outcome data were assessed. An uterotrophic assay to screen in vivo estrogenic activity of D+E was also performed. A group of female offspring was analyzed for vaginal opening (VO), first estrus, estrous cycle regularity, and weights of the uterus and ovaries. No signs of maternal toxicity were detected. Results from the uterotrophic assay indicate absence of in vivo estrogenic activity of D+E. No significant variations in reproductive endpoints of females were observed. These results suggest that administration of D+E does not pose a reproductive hazard to female rats exposed during critical periods of development, indicating that the combination does not exert estrogen-like effects in vivo or is not delivered to target organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenia M Presibella
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of Paraná, Caixa Postal 19031, CEP 81531-990, Curitiba/PR, Brazil
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Iavicoli I, Carelli G, Stanek EJ, Castellino N, Calabrese EJ. Effects of low doses of dietary lead on puberty onset in female mice. Reprod Toxicol 2005; 19:35-41. [PMID: 15336710 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2004.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2004] [Revised: 05/14/2004] [Accepted: 06/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Female Swiss mice typically display signs of puberty at about 33-37 days of age. In the present investigation (96 female mice tested in 8 Pb exposure levels, n=12 per exposure level), the time to puberty onset was markedly influenced by exposure to dietary lead. While modest increases in blood lead concentrations from a normal background of 2-3 to 13.2 microg/dl delayed the onset of puberty by 15-20% to about 40-43 days, reducing blood lead from 2-3 to 0.7 microg/dl was associated with an acceleration of puberty to 21 days, an enhancement by over 30%. This dose-response relationship represents novel findings of possible ecological as well as public health significance and indicates that lead is able to induce biologically significant changes at blood lead levels previously thought to be without effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Iavicoli
- Institute of Occupational Health, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, School of Medicine, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168, Roma, Italy.
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Okahashi N, Sano M, Miyata K, Tamano S, Higuchi H, Kamita Y, Seki T. Lack of evidence for endocrine disrupting effects in rats exposed to fenitrothion in utero and from weaning to maturation. Toxicology 2005; 206:17-31. [PMID: 15590106 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2004.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2004] [Revised: 04/29/2004] [Accepted: 04/29/2004] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Fenitrothion is a broad-spectrum organophosphate insecticide. Recently, it has been reported to exert androgenic or anti-androgenic activity in in vitro and in vivo screening assays, although the effects appear equivocal in vivo. To provide a conclusive and comprehensive evaluation of fenitrothion, especially regarding its anti-androgenic activity in the reproductive and endocrine systems, we conducted a one-generation reproductive toxicity study at appropriately toxic dose levels with a number of sensitive endpoints for endocrine disruption. Fenitrothion was administered to Crj:CD(SD)IGS parental animals (P) at concentrations of 10, 20, and 60 ppm in the diet for 10 weeks prior to mating, and throughout mating, gestation and lactation. Their offspring (F1) were exposed from weaning until maturation at the age of 10 weeks. In the P generation, brain cholinesterase activity was remarkably reduced in the 60 ppm males and in the 20 and 60 ppm females. Reproductive performance, organ weights, histopathology, and sperm analytical parameters were not affected. In the F1 generation, no general toxicity or effects on anogenital distance, retention of areolae/nipples, onset of puberty, organ weights, histopathological findings, and sperm parameters were observed. In conclusion, fenitrothion had no effects on the reproductive or endocrine systems of the P and F1 generations, even at toxic doses that markedly suppressed brain cholinesterase activity in P animals. The results suggest that fenitrothion at in-use levels in the environment is unlikely to cause disruption of human endocrine systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Okahashi
- Environmental Health Science Laboratory, Sumitomo Chemical Company Ltd., 3-1-98 Kasugade-naka, Konohana-ku, Osaka 554-8558, Japan.
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Jorge JC, González L, Fortis A, Cruz ND. Sex-specific modulation of anxiety and locomotion after neonatal exposure to pregnenolone sulfate. Physiol Behav 2004; 83:779-86. [PMID: 15639163 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2004.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2004] [Revised: 09/13/2004] [Accepted: 09/28/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Neurosteroids may influence adult behavior and endocrine function since early in development. To test this hypothesis, Sprague-Dawley pups from both sexes were injected with pregnenolone sulfate (PREG-S) from postnatal (PN) day 1 to 14. Pubertal onset in females was determined by monitoring the day of vaginal opening. After vaginal opening, the pattern of estrous cycle was monitored for three consecutive cycles. During adulthood, anxiety and locomotor activity were assessed with an automated elevated plus maze (EPM) and automated activity monitors, respectively. After behavioral assessment, body weight, gonadal weight, and plasma levels of sex hormones were measured. Neonatal exposure to PREG-S produced anxiolytic effects in females but not males. The opposite effect was seen in males, suppression of locomotor behaviors without changes in anxiety. The day of vaginal opening, gonadal weight, and plasma levels of hormones in adult animals were not altered by neonatal treatment. We suggest that PREG-S exposure during neonatal development can have an impact in anxiety and locomotor behaviors during adulthood in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Jorge
- Department of Anatomy, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936, USA.
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Masui F, Matsuda M, Mori T. Involvement of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF)-KGF receptor signaling in developmental estrogenization syndrome of mouse vagina. Cell Tissue Res 2004; 318:591-8. [PMID: 15480797 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-004-0980-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2004] [Accepted: 08/03/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Exposure of mice to estrogen or keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in vivo during the neonatal period results in estrogen-independent persistent proliferation and cornification of the vaginal epithelium when the animals become adults. Here, whether and how KGF-signaling is involved in the effects of estrogen on the neonatal mouse vagina were studied with an in vitro method. Newborn mouse vaginae were cultured for 3 days in serum-free medium containing various combinations of estradiol-17beta (E2), KGF, anti-KGF antibody, KGFR inhibitory peptide and heparin, and then transplanted into ovariectomized host mice for 35 days. The vaginae cultured with 5 microg/ml E2 or 5 microg/ml KGF had a cornified thick epithelium, while the epithelium of the vehicle-treated controls stayed thin. The E2 effect was blocked by concurrent treatment with anti-KGF antibody or KGFR inhibitory peptide. KGF treatment alone at doses less than 500 ng/ml did not induce permanent vaginal changes but such changes did occur in vaginae treated with heparin plus as little as 10 ng/ml KGF. On the other hand, heparin inhibited the permanent vaginal changes induced by estrogen. These results suggest that irreversible vaginal changes are induced by the direct action of KGF on the developing vagina and that the developmental estrogenization syndrome of mouse vagina is caused by intensification of endogenous KGF/KGFR signaling by exogenous estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujiko Masui
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan
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Klinefelter GR, Strader LF, Suarez JD, Roberts NL, Goldman JM, Murr AS. Continuous Exposure to Dibromoacetic Acid Delays Pubertal Development and Compromises Sperm Quality in the Rat. Toxicol Sci 2004; 81:419-29. [PMID: 15254335 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfh217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously our work on the haloacid by-products of drinking water disinfection focused on adult exposures. Herein we evaluate the consequence of continuous exposure to dibromoacetic acid (DBA) via drinking water through reproductive development into adulthood. An initial study in which offspring were exposed from gestation day (GD) 15 through adulthood revealed significant delays in preputial separation and vaginal opening, dose-related decreases in the fertility of cauda epididymal sperm, and dose-related diminutions in the sperm membrane protein SP22. Subsequent studies consisted of groups in which exposure ceased on postnatal day 21 (PND 21) versus adulthood. For each exposure, animals were evaluated after puberty (PND 56) as well as at adulthood (PND 120). Exposure to 4, 40, or 400 ppm DBA from GD 15 through PND 21 failed to result in any significant reproductive alterations. By contrast, continuous exposure until adulthood resulted in dose-related alterations consistent with those observed in the dose-finding study. Preputial separation and vaginal opening were delayed 4 and 3 days in males and females exposed to 400 ppm (76.3 mg/kg) DBA. This was associated with increased responsiveness of both the testis and ovary to hCG ex vivo; hCG-stimulated testosterone production by testicular parenchyma on PND 56 was increased at 4 ppm (0.6 mg/kg) DBA and higher. Finally, the quality of proximal cauda epididymal sperm was compromised by continuous exposure to DBA. The sperm membrane proteome was altered in a dose-related manner with SP22, and one of its charged variants, diminished at 40 ppm (3.6 mg/kg) DBA and higher. As more sensitive endpoints are evaluated, lower effect levels can be attributed to haloacid exposure. We are now extending our evaluations to epidemiology studies designed to evaluate sperm quality in men exposed to varying levels of disinfection by-products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary R Klinefelter
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Reproductive Toxicology Division, MD #72, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA.
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Matsuda M, Masui F, Mori T. Neonatal estrogenization leads to increased expression of cellular retinol binding protein 2 in the mouse reproductive tract. Cell Tissue Res 2004; 316:131-9. [PMID: 14963765 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-004-0852-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2003] [Accepted: 12/28/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to estrogenic substances during a time window, the so-called "critical period," in perinatal life causes an irregular development of the genital tract that leads to ovary-independent proliferation and cornification in the vaginal epithelium in mice. We have previously demonstrated that retinol inhibits the irreversible effects of estrogen on the vagina. Here, mice kept in a vitamin-A-deficient condition during perinatal life were shown to be more sensitive to the harmful effects of estrogen. In addition, expression of mRNA for retinol binding protein type 2 (CRBP2), a "small intestine-specific" cytosolic protein that captures intracellular retinal and retinol, was detected in the vaginal epithelium. Induction of increased expression of CRBP2 mRNA by estrogen was also evident in the uterus and epididymis. Both estradiol-17beta and diethylstilbestrol markedly increased the tissue content of CRBP2 mRNA in the vagina and uterus during the neonatal "critical period" but not after 15 days of age. These results taken together imply that estrogen disrupts the local vitamin A balance by an induction of CRBP2 gene expression in the epithelium in the developing mouse genital tract, and that retinoid imbalance may contribute to the genesis of irreversible effects of estrogen on the vagina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Matsuda
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, 113-0033 Tokyo, Japan.
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Rayner JL, Wood C, Fenton SE. Exposure parameters necessary for delayed puberty and mammary gland development in Long–Evans rats exposed in utero to atrazine. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2004; 195:23-34. [PMID: 14962502 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2003.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2003] [Accepted: 11/08/2003] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Our studies suggested that prenatal exposure to the herbicide atrazine (ATR) could delay vaginal opening (VO) and mammary development in the offspring of Long-Evans (LE) rats. To evaluate ATR exposure parameters required for pubertal delays, including mammary gland development, we used cross-fostering to determine if effects were strictly dam-mediated (via milk) or a direct effect (transplacental) on the pups. Timed-pregnant LE rats (N = 20/treatment group) were gavaged on gestational days (GD) 15-19 with 100 mg ATR/kg body weight (BW) or vehicle (controls, C). On PND1, half of all litters were cross-fostered, creating four treatment groups: C-C, ATR-C, C-ATR, and ATR-ATR (dam-milk source, respectively). A significant delay in VO and increase in VO BW was seen only in the litters receiving milk from ATR-exposed dams. However, mammary glands of female offspring (two per dam) in all groups exposed to ATR (ATR-C, C-ATR, and ATR-ATR) displayed significant delays in epithelial development. These changes were detected as early as PND4 and stunted development was evident through PND40. Further, at all developmental stages examined, offspring in the ATR-ATR group exhibited the least developed glands. These delays in pubertal endpoints do not appear to be related to body weight or endocrine hormone concentrations. Our data suggest that the delay in VO of ATR-exposed offspring (C-ATR lactationally, ATR-ATR lactationally and in utero) is mediated via the dam [milk], whereas brief direct exposure to ATR in utero can cause delays in mammary gland development. Our data suggest that milk-derived factors (growth factors or hormones), in addition to transplacental exposure during mammary bud outgrowth, may be involved in ATR mode of action on delayed mammary gland development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Rayner
- Reproductive Toxicology Division, Office of Research and Development, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
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da Silva Faria T, da Fonte Ramos C, Sampaio FJB. Puberty onset in the female offspring of rats submitted to protein or energy restricted diet during lactation. J Nutr Biochem 2004; 15:123-7. [PMID: 14972352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2003.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2002] [Revised: 06/05/2003] [Accepted: 08/01/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to determine the effects of maternal protein and energy malnutrition during lactation on the linear growth, body weight and onset of puberty of the female offspring. At parturition, dams were randomly assigned to the following groups: (C) control group, with free access to a standard laboratory diet containing 23% protein; (PR) protein-restricted group, with free access to an isoenergy and protein-restricted diet containing 8% protein; and (ER) energy-restricted group, receiving standard laboratory diet in restricted quantities. After weaning, the female pups had free access to standard laboratory diet. From day 30 onwards, the pups were inspected daily for vaginal opening. Cyclic stages of the ovaries were studied by daily vaginal smears after vaginal opening until day 40 when all animals were sacrificed with pentobarbital. From day 4 after birth until day 40, body weight and linear growth in the PR and ER rats were significantly lower than in controls (p < 0.001). In spite of the significant (p<0.05) delayed in the vaginal opening in PR and ER rats, the first estrous cycle occurred at the same time of vaginal opening in all groups. The PR and ER rats exhibited a lower uterine (PR = 42%, ER = 40%, p < 0.001) and ovarian (PR = 26%, ER=19%, p < 0.05) absolute weight and uterus relative weight (PR = 27%, ER = 22%, p < 0.05). Our data showed that maternal protein and energy malnutrition during lactation leads to growth retardation and delayed on the onset of puberty in female pups, with vaginal opening and estrous cycle occurring at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane da Silva Faria
- Urogenital Research Unit, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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Stoker TE, Laws SC, Crofton KM, Hedge JM, Ferrell JM, Cooper RL. Assessment of DE-71, a Commercial Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Mixture, in the EDSP Male and Female Pubertal Protocols. Toxicol Sci 2004; 78:144-55. [PMID: 14999130 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfh029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
DE-71, a commercial mixture, was used to test the sensitivity of the female and male pubertal protocol to detect thyroid active chemicals. These protocols are being evaluated for the U.S. EPA's Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program as part of a Tier I Screening Battery. To examine the ability of these protocols to screen for chemicals that induce the clearance of thyroid hormone, we examined male and female Wistar rats following DE-71 exposure. Rats were gavaged daily with 0, 3, 30, or 60 mg/kg DE in corn oil from postnatal day (PND) 23-53 in the male or PND 22-41 in the female. The temporal effects of DE-71 on liver enzymes and thyroid hormones were measured in another group of males and females following only 5 days of dosing (PND 21 to 26 in females and PND 23 to 28 in males). Serum T4 was significantly decreased at 30 and 60 mg/kg following the 5-day exposures and in the 21-day exposed females. Doses of 3, 30, and 60 mg/kg decreased T4 in 31-day exposed males. Serum T3 was decreased and TSH elevated by 30 and 60 mg/kg in the 31-day exposed males only. Decreased colloid area and increased follicular cell heights (indicative of the hypothyroid state) were observed in thyroids of the 60 mg/kg groups of 20- and 31-day exposed female and males. Increased liver-to-body weight ratios coincided with a significant induction of uridinediphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UDGPT; two to four-fold), and ethoxy- and pentoxy-resorufin-O-deethylase (EROD and PROD) at the two highest doses in all exposures. Of the androgen dependent tissues in the 31-day exposed males, seminal vesicle (SV) and ventral prostate (VP) weights were reduced at 60 mg/kg, while testes and epididymal weights were not affected. Preputial separation (PPS) was also significantly delayed by doses of 30 and 60 mg/kg. In the female, the 60 mg/kg dose also caused a significant delay in the age of vaginal opening. Based upon the thyroid hormone response data, this study provides evidence that the 31-day alternative Tier 1 male protocol is a more sensitive test protocol than the 5-day or female pubertal protocol for thyrotoxic agents that act via up-regulation of hepatic metabolism. This apparent greater sensitivity may be due a greater body burden attained following the longer dosing regimen as compared with that of the female protocol, or to gender specific differences in thyroid hormone metabolism. Also, the delay in PPS and reduction in SV and VP weights may indicate a modification or inhibition of endogenous androgenic stimulation directly by DE-71 or a secondary effect that occurs in response to a DE-induced change in thyroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy E Stoker
- Reproductive Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA.
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Honaramooz A, Aravindakshan J, Chandolia RK, Beard AP, Bartlewski PM, Pierson RA, Rawlings NC. Ultrasonographic evaluation of the pre-pubertal development of the reproductive tract in beef heifers. Anim Reprod Sci 2004; 80:15-29. [PMID: 15036512 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-4320(03)00136-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2002] [Revised: 05/06/2003] [Accepted: 05/06/2003] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
To study the development of the reproductive tract in heifers, the ovaries, uterus, cervix and vagina were examined by transrectal ultrasonography every 2 weeks, from 2 to 60 weeks after birth. First ovulation occurred at 63.7 +/- 1.1 weeks of age. Ovarian dimensions increased rapidly from 2 to 14 weeks of age, and increased again after 34 weeks of age (P<0.05). The size of the largest ovarian follicles increased from 8 to 14 weeks of age, from 38 to 42 weeks of age, and finally from 52 to 60 weeks of age (P<0.05). The number of follicles > or =3 mm in diameter tended to increase from 6 to 14 weeks of age (P<0.10) and increased significantly from 6 to 60 weeks of age (P<0.05). Mean numerical pixel values of the ovarian images decreased from 4 to 26 weeks of age, and then rose to 44 weeks of age (P<0.05). Diameter of the uterine body, cervix and vagina increased from 2 to 20-24 weeks of age, and again after 32 weeks of age (P<0.05). Mean numerical pixel values for the uterus and vagina decreased initially (uterus: 4-8 weeks and vagina: 6-22 weeks of age) and then increased (uterus: 14-42 weeks and vagina: 22-32 weeks of age; P<0.05). Pixel heterogeneity showed a consistent peak at 20-22 weeks of age for the uterus, cervix and vagina (P<0.05). In summary, in the heifer calf, the marked growth of the reproductive tract in the first few months of age, and prior to first ovulation, reflects phases of increased ovarian follicle (> or =3 mm in diameter) numbers and size. Ultrasonographic image analysis revealed patterns of numerical pixel values and heterogeneity that may be useful in determining important stages of growth and differentiation of the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Honaramooz
- Center for Animal Transgenesis and Germ Cell Research, New Bolton School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA, USA
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Amstislavsky SY, Kizilova EA, Golubitsa AN, Vasilkova AA, Eroschenko VP. Preimplantation exposures of murine embryos to estradiol or methoxychlor change postnatal development. Reprod Toxicol 2004; 18:103-8. [PMID: 15013069 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2003.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2003] [Revised: 09/05/2003] [Accepted: 10/03/2003] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Long-term effects of in vivo exposures to proestrogen methoxychlor (MXC) or estradiol-17beta (E) were studied during early pregnancy (preimplantation) in ICR mice. Pregnant dams received either subcutaneous injections of 1 microg of E on Day 2 of pregnancy only (vaginal plug = Day 1), or 5.0mg of MXC on Days 2-4 of pregnancy in sesame oil. Pregnant control mice were treated with the vehicle only. Litter size, postnatal survival, sex ratio at birth, and anogenital distance (AGD) in offspring of both sexes were examined, as well as vaginal opening in female offspring. High mortality rate was recorded in MXC-exposed offspring due to infanticide. Exposures to either E or MXC did not change sex ratio at birth, but the litter size was smaller in the former group. On postnatal Day 21, male pups exposed to either E or MXC at preimplantation stage exhibited shorter AGD than the controls, with the change most pronounced after MXC treatments. AGD in female offspring was unaffected after MXC exposures, but E treatments produced longer AGD in the females than that recorded in the controls. Preimplantation exposures to E or MXC also accelerated sexual maturation as significantly more females exhibited precocious vaginal opening at weaning. Our study shows that exposures to MXC or E at preimplantation stages cause long term alteration of sexual development during weaning in offspring of both sexes. Also, MXC treatments retarded both growth and weight of both sexes of offspring, in comparison to controls.
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Thigpen JE, Haseman JK, Saunders HE, Setchell KDR, Grant MG, Forsythe DB. Dietary phytoestrogens accelerate the time of vaginal opening in immature CD-1 mice. Comp Med 2003; 53:607-15. [PMID: 14727808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the study reported here was to determine the effects of dietary phytoestrogens on the time of vaginal opening (VO) in immature CD-1 mice, and to correlate it with phytoestrogen and total metabolizable energy (ME) contents of the diet in an effort to determine the most appropriate diets(s) for comparing or evaluating the estrogenic or antiestrogenic activity of endocrine disruptor compounds (EDC). Mice were weaned at postnatal day (PND) 15 and fed the test diets from PND 15 to 30. Vaginal opening was recorded from PND 20 to 30. The phytoestrogen content of the diet was highly predictive (P < 0.0001) of the proportion of mice with VO at PND 24. Total ME content also was significantly (P < 0.01) correlated with time of VO, although this variable was somewhat less predictive than was phytoestrogen content. Time of VO in mice was significantly (P < 0.05) accelerated in mice fed diets high in phytoestrogens, compared with those containing low phytoestrogen content. It was concluded that: dietary daidzein and genistein can significantly (P < 0.01) accelerate the time of VO in CD-1 mice; the advancement in time of VO is more highly correlated with daidzein and genistein contents of the diets than with total ME content; advancement in the time of VO is a sensitive end point for evaluating the estrogenic activity of EDCs, and should be part of the standard protocol for evaluating EDCs. Phytoestrogen-free diet(s) containing the same amount of ME should be used in bioassays that compare the time of VO, or increases in uterine weight as end points for evaluating the estrogenic activity of an EDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius E Thigpen
- Quality Assurance Laboratory, Comparative Medicine Branch, NIEHS, 111 T. W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, USA
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Laws SC, Ferrell JM, Stoker TE, Cooper RL. Pubertal development in female Wistar rats following exposure to propazine and atrazine biotransformation by-products, diamino-S-chlorotriazine and hydroxyatrazine. Toxicol Sci 2003; 76:190-200. [PMID: 12970575 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfg223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We showed previously that the chlorotriazine herbicide, atrazine (ATR), delays the onset of pubertal development in female rats. ATR and its biotransformation by-products are present in soil and groundwater. Since current maximum contaminant levels are set only for ATR, it is important to determine whether these by-products can also alter pubertal development and possibly pose a cumulative exposure hazard. We evaluated the effects of two ATR by-products, diamino-s-chlorotriazine (DACT) and hydroxyatrazine (OH-ATR), and a structurally similar chlorotriazine, propazine (PRO), on female pubertal development. Rats were gavaged from postnatal days (PNDs) 22 through PND 41 with DACT (16.7, 33.8, 67.5, 135 mg/kg), OH-ATR (22.8, 45.7, 91.5, 183 mg/kg), or PRO (13, 26.7, 53, 106.7, 213 mg/kg). The dose range for each chemical was selected as the molar equivalent of ATR (12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg). The females were monitored daily for vaginal opening (VO) and killed on PND 41. DACT, a by-product of ATR that occurs in the environment and is also the primary chlorinated metabolite of ATR in animal tissue, delayed VO by 3.2, 4.8, and 7.6 days compared to the controls (33.1 +/- 0.4 (SE) days of age) following exposure to 33.8, 67.5, and 135 mg/kg, respectively. The no effect level (NOEL) for DACT (16.7 mg/kg) was identical to the equimolar NOEL for ATR (25 mg/kg). Although the body weight (BW) on PND 41 was reduced by the high dose of DACT (8.4% reduction), this reduction did not exceed the criteria for selecting the maximum tolerated dose (e.g., a dose that causes >10% decrease in BW at necropsy). None of the lower doses of DACT caused a significant difference in BW gain. Additionally, 33.8, 67.5, and 135 mg/kg of DACT significantly increased the BW on the day of VO. PRO (107 or 213 mg/kg) delayed VO by 4 days but did not alter the BW on PND 41. While no significant delays in pubertal development were observed in two separate dose-response studies with doses ranging up to 183 mg/kg (OH-ATR), a minor but statistically significant delay in the onset of puberty in a pilot study using OH-ATR raises the possibility that an effect might occur following exposure to higher doses. However, it is clear from these data that OH-ATR has a much lower potency when compared with equimolar doses of DACT and PRO. Together, these data demonstrate that PRO and DACT can delay the onset of puberty in the female rat at doses equimolar to ATR and provide the scientific basis for the use of additivity in the upcoming risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan C Laws
- Endocrinology Branch, Reproductive Toxicology Division, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, USA.
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