Mechanism of male reproductive toxicity of phthalates

ObjectiveTo study the role of hypothalamus-pituitary-gond axis played on the mechanism of male toxicity of di-n-butyl phthalate(DBP).MethodsThe testosterone concentration and relative expression levels of MIS,ABP and inhibin in different developmental stage of rats'testes were measured by methods of ELISA and RT-PCR.ResultsThere was no significant difference in MIS expression and testosterone levels in DBP-treated groups while comparing with the control group.However,1 000 mg/kg DBP can significantly decrease the ABP and inhibin expression levels of rats'testes in a time-dependent manner.ConclusionDBP could decrease the expression of testosterone binding ABP and inhibin,but not MIS and testosterone,suggesting that antiadrogenic activity by disturbing the function of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis might be one of the reasons of male reproductive and developmental toxicity induced by DBP.