Korean J Reprod Med.  2008 Sep;35(3):181-191.

Effects of Bisphenol A on Gene Expression and Apoptosis of Leydig Cells in the Mouse Testis

• Eo J
• Lim H

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Environmental chemicals alter reproduction, growth, and survival by changing the normal function of the endocrine system. Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the endocrine disruptors, is known to be an estrogen receptor agonist. Therefore, we hypothesized that BPA may affect male reproduction including spermatogenesis in the mouse testis.
METHODS
We used 7-week-old ICR mice. The first experiment group received BPA in sesame oil (vehicle, 1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) by i.p. injection and mice were sacrificed 24 hr later. The second experiment group received BPA (vehicle, 10 microgram/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg) daily for 14 days by subcutaneous injection. Expression of cell type-specific marker genes in the testis was evaluated by RT-PCR. Histological analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and TUNEL staining were also performed.
RESULTS
RT-PCR analyses showed that expression of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), a marker gene for the Leydig cell, was notably decreased in the testes of high dose-exposed mice. No obvious difference in the histology of testes was noted among treatment groups. Immunostaining of LHR in the first experiment group did not show noticeable difference in LHR protein expression in Leydig cells. Immunohistochemistry also revealed heightened expression of the immunoreactive Bax in the treatment group, and this was accompanied by positive TUNEL staining in the interstitial area within testis where Leydig cells reside.
CONCLUSIONS
Our result suggests that BPA affects Leydig cell functions by altering gene expression and by increasing apoptosis in the mouse testis.

Keyword

Bisphenol A; Mouse; Testis; Leydig cell; Apoptosis

MeSH Terms

Animals
Apoptosis
Benzhydryl Compounds
Endocrine Disruptors
Endocrine System
Estrogens
Fluorescent Antibody Technique
Gene Expression
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
In Situ Nick-End Labeling
Injections, Subcutaneous
Leydig Cells
Male
Mice
Mice, Inbred ICR
Phenols
Receptors, LH
Reproduction
Sesame Oil
Spermatogenesis
Testis
Benzhydryl Compounds
Endocrine Disruptors
Estrogens
Phenols
Receptors, LH
Sesame Oil