Long-term effects of maternal exposure to Di [2-ethylhexyl] phthalate on sperm and testicular parameters in wistar rats offspring

Phthalate esters have been shown to cause reproductive toxicity in both developing and adult animals. This study was designed to assess long-term effects of maternal exposure to Di [2-ethylhexyl] Phthalate [DEHP] on reproductive ability of both neonatal and adult male offspring. 60 female rats randomly divided in four equal groups; vehicle control and three treatment groups that received 10, 100 and 500 mg/kg/day DEHP via gavage during gestation and lactation. At different ages after birth, the volumes of testes were measured by Cavellieri method, testes weights recorded and epididymal sperm samples were assessed for number and gross morphology of spermatozoa. Following tissue processing, seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height evaluated with morphometric techniques. Mean testis weight decreased significantly [p<0.05] in 500 mg/kg/day dose group from 28 to 150 days after birth. Significant decreases were seen in total volumes of testis in 100 [p<0.05] and 500 [p<0.01] mg/kg/day doses groups until 150 days after birth. Seminiferous tubules diameter and germinal epithelium height decreased significantly in 100 [p<0.05] and 500 [p<0.01] mg/kg/day doses groups during postnatal development. Also, mean sperm density in 100 mg/kg/day [p<0.05] and 500 mg/kg/day [p<0.01] doses groups and percent of morphologically normal sperm in highest dose group [p<0.05] decreased significantly until 150 days after birth. Present study showed that maternal exposure to Di [2-ethylhexyl] Phthalate during gestation and lactation caused to permanent and dose-related reductions of sperm and testicular parameters in rats offspring

Chronic effects of Di-2-ethylhexyl] phthalate on stereological parameters of testis in adult Wistar rats

In recent years concerns have been raised regarding the incidence of male reproductive disorders from exposure to endocrine disruptors. So, chronic effects of di [2-ethylhexyl] phthalate were studied on histological and stereological structure of testis in adult Wistar rats. Thirty two adult Wistar rats were randomly divided in four equal experiment groups; oil vehicle group and three treated groups which received 10, 100 and 500 mg/kg/day di[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate by gavage for 90 days, respectively. At the end of exposure, period the volume of testes was measured by Cavellieri method, testes weight was recorded and then fixed in Bouin's solution. Following tissue processing, 5 micro m sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and evaluated with quantitative techniques. Seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, relative ad total volumes of seminiferous tubules, tubular lumen and interstitial tissue were estimated. The results showed that mean weight and volume of testis were decreased significantly [35.2% and 23.9% respectively] in rats treated with 500 mg/kg/day DEHP for 90 days. Seminiferous tubules diameter reduced, 4.4% and 13.4% in 100 and 500 mg/kg/day DEHP-treated groups, respectively. Relative volumes of tubular lumen and interstitial tissue were increased significantly in 100 [P, 0.05] and 500 [P< 0.01] mg/kg/day doses groups. Also, testosterone serum levels were significantly higher [P< 0.05] in rats exposed to 500 mg/kg/day DEHP. Present study indicated dose-dependent reductions of testicular parameters in adult male rats chronically exposed to di[2-ethylhexyl] phthalate