| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2593751 | Reproductive Toxicology | 2012 | 8 Pages |
Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers in everyday products. Yet, studies on the effects of phthalates on female reproductive health are limited. In this study, pregnant C57/Bl6 mice were exposed via oral gavage to corn oil, 100, 500, or 1000 mg/kg MEHP from gestational days 17–19. Reproductive lifespan was decreased by one month in the highest F1 exposure group (9.8 ± 0.4 versus 11.1 ± 0.6 months in control F1 females). F1 females exhibited delayed estrous onset at the two higher exposures and prolonged estrus was observed in all MEHP-exposed females. Serum FSH and estradiol were significantly elevated at the highest exposure and altered mRNA expression was found for the steroidogenic genes LHCGR, aromatase, and StAR. At one year of age, mammary gland hyperplasia was observed in high dose MEHP-exposed females. In summary, late gestational exposure to MEHP leads to multiple latent reproductive effects throughout murine life resulting in premature ovarian senescence and mammary hyperplasia.
► In utero exposure to MEHP causes lifelong reproductive effects in the mouse. ► By young adulthood, detectable changes in cyclicity, follicular recruitment. ► At one year of age, induces premature loss of fertility, mammary hyperplasia. ► Effects predominantly seen at high doses (500 mg/kg and greater).
