Antiandrogenic effect of perinatal exposure to the endocrine disruptor di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate increases anxiety-like behavior in male rats during sexual maturation

► Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is an endocrine disruptor with antiandrogenic action, used to convey flexibility to plastic. ► We examined the effects of perinatal exposure to DEHP on anxiety-like behavior, using the Elevated Plus Maze. ► We found sex differences in behavior induced by DEHP, producing anxiogenic-like behavior in male rats. ► Testosterone replacement was able to antagonize the adverse effects of DEHP.