Effect of microwave irradiation on StAR and P450scc mRNA in testicle of rats

  Objective   To study mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein(StAR)and cytochrme P450 cholestero side chain lyase(P450scc)in testicle and excretion of testrone in blood of rats post microwave exposure, and to interpret the molecular mechanism of micro wave exposure on the sexual function in adult rats.

  Methods   Capture latent period (CLP)and capture times(CT)were used to estimate sexual function of exposed rats.Peverse transcription-polymerase chain (PCR)reaction method was used to determine the expression of StAR, P450scc mRNA in testicle of rats 3, 6, 24, 72h post microwave exposure and meanwhile testrone lever in blood serum was measured by radioimmuno assay.

  Results   Prolonged CLP and decreased DT were found after 3-hour exposure(P < 0.01 respectively)and sexual behavior came down significantly.Testrone and StAR, P450scc mRNA changed in the same situation, compaed with control and dareased 83.1%, 57.3%, 53.6% respectively(P < 0.01)after 3-hour exposure and recovered to normal in 24h but reduced once again after 72h and were decreased 57.6%, 39.5%, 53.5% respectively(P < 0.01).

  Conclusion   Leydig cells can affect and decrease the expression of StAR, P450scc mRNA and testosterone synthesis, and further to influence the sexual function of male rats exposed to microwave.