Clin Exp Reprod Med.  2011 Jun;38(2):75-81. 10.5653/cerm.2011.38.2.75.

Effects of early prepubertal exposure to bisphenol A on the onset of puberty, ovarian weights, and estrous cycle in female mice

• Nah WH
• Park MJ
• Gye MC

• KMID: 2045698
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5653/cerm.2011.38.2.75

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used extensively to manufacture plastics and epoxy resin liners for food and beverage cans. BPA, with properties similar to estrogen, has endocrine-disrupting effects. In the present study, we examined the effects of early prepubertal BPA exposure on the onset of puberty and reproductive parameters such as estrous cycle and reproductive organ weights in female mice.
METHODS
Female mice were injected subcutaneously at postnatal day (PND) 8 with BPA (0.1, 1, 10, 100 mg/kg) in sesame oil or with sesame oil alone. Body weight was measured from PND 10 to 70. Vaginal opening and estrous cycle were monitored from PND 20 to 29. Animals were sacrificed at PND 25, 30, and 70, and the ovary and uterus weights were measured.
RESULTS
Early prepubertal exposure to BPA (10 and 100 mg/kg) significantly decreased body weight from PND 18 to 30. BPA treated mice at testing dose levels showed early opening of the vagina compared to the control group. The number of estrous cycle and days of estrus were significantly decreased in high dose (100 mg/kg) BPA treated mice. The ovary weight at PND 25 and 30 was significantly decreased in all BPA treatment groups.
CONCLUSION
Early prepubertal exposure to BPA accelerated the onset of puberty but decreased reproductive parameters in female mice.

Keyword

Bisphenol A; Endocrine Disruptors; Puberty; Female; Mice

MeSH Terms

Animals
Benzhydryl Compounds
Beverages
Body Weight
Endocrine Disruptors
Estrogens
Estrous Cycle
Estrus
Female
Humans
Mice
Organ Size
Ovary
Phenols
Plastics
Puberty
Sesame Oil
Uterus
Vagina
Weights and Measures
Benzhydryl Compounds
Endocrine Disruptors
Estrogens
Phenols
Plastics
Sesame Oil