Effects of 4-tert-octylphenol on the testes and seminal vesicles in adult male bank voles

The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) on male testes and seminal vesicles of bank vole. Adult males kept under long or short photoperiod were orally administered OP (200 mg/kg bw) for 30 or 60 days. Treatment for 30 days had no discernible effect on the parameters examined. Treatment for 60 days adversely influenced weights and histological structure of the testes and seminal vesicles. In these tissues, expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and androgen receptor and testosterone levels were reduced, whereas expression of aromatase and estrogen receptor α and estradiol levels were increased. The alterations were more evident in voles kept in long photoperiod. Taken together, it is suggested that adverse changes in bank vole reproductive tissues induced by long-term OP-exposure result from disturbed androgen and estrogen synthesis and action. Moreover, there might be a subtle difference in the sensitivity to OP between voles kept in different light conditions.

Research highlights▶ Long-term OP exposure of bank voles results in male reproductive tissue abnormalities. ▶ OP affects weights and histological structure of the testes and seminal vesicles. ▶ OP disturbs androgen and estrogen synthesis and action in male reproductive tissues. ▶ There is a difference in the sensitivity to OP between short-day and long-day males.