Effects of dibutyl phthalate on reproductive-related element of rats

Objective To investigate the effect of dibutyl phthalate(DBP)on reproductive-related element in blood of rats.Methods Six-week-old healthy male rats were randomly divided into 5 groups,4 experimental groups and 1 control group.DBP was administered by gavage once a day.After 30 day exposure,the rata were killed,and blood WaS obtained,Testis and epididymis were weighed for calculating the ratio of organ and body weight.The levels of Zn,Mn,Mg and Cu in blood were detected by flame atomic absorption spectrometry.Results The ratio of testis and body weight were obviously lower in groups above 0.50 g/kg DBP than that in control group(P<0.05).The ratio of epididymis and body weight in groups of 0.50 and 1.00 g/kg DBP were also lower than that in control group.In groups of 1.00 and 2.00 g/kg DBP there were differences of the level of Zn and Mn in blood from control group,which were(45.52±6.60),(48.21±8.08),(1.71 ±0.97),(0.68±0.73)in DBP groups and(64.39±11.68),(4.40±0.82)in control group,respectively.But there were no differences of the level of Cu and Mg.Conclusion The reproductive toxicity of DBP may be mediated by affecting the level of Zn and Mn in blood.