Different action of 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) and its hydroxylated metabolites on ERα and ERβ gene and protein expression

CAR and PXR mRNAs were not expressed in porcine ovarian follicular cells. BDE-47 and its hydroxylated metabolites had no effect on the expression of AR mRNA and protein. Decreased expression of ERβ mRNA and protein under BDE-47 influence and increase both ERα and ERβ gene and protein expression in cells exposed to hydroxylated metabolites was noted. These findings indicate that BDE-47, by altering the ratio of ERα to ERβ toward ERα, and the hydroxylated metabolites of BDE-47, by increase estrogen receptors expression, may result in excessive ovarian exposure to estrogens.