Atrazine induces transcriptional changes in marker genes associated with steroidogenesis in primary cultures of rat Leydig cells

► We investigate ATZ induced transcriptional changes in steroidogenesis markers in cultured rat interstitial Leydig cells. ► ATZ exposure (25 and 50 μg/ml) for 48 h onwards was found to be cytotoxic. ► MTT assay shows better sensitivity than NRU assay. ► ATZ significantly alters the levels of mRNA expression of steroidogenic markers in dose dependent manner. ► Study suggests the applicability of cultured Leydig cells as screening tool to assess the anti-steroidogenic activity.