The adverse effect of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolite (DDE) on the secretion of prostaglandins and oxytocin in bovine cultured ovarian and endometrial cells

The influence of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide—dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolite (DDE) on the uterine prostaglandin (PGF2α and PGE2) and ovarian oxytocin (OT) secretion was investigated. Endometrial, granulosa and luteal cells from cows and heifers on 8–12 days of estrous cycle were treated (24–72 h) with DDT, mixture or individual isomer (p,p′-, o,p′-) of DDE (0.1, 1 or 10 ng/ml). The viability of cells and the concentrations of hormones in medium were determinted. Neither DDT nor DDE affected (P > 0.05) the viability of cells, while they stimulated (P < 0.05) PGF2α and reduced (P < 0.001) PGE2 secretion from endometrial cells. Hence the ratio of PGF2α to PGE2 was markedly changed. Used pollutants also increased (P < 0.05) OT secretion from ovarian cells. It is concluded that DDT and its metabolite impair PGF2α, PGE2 and OT secretion from uterus and ovary, respectively, and this way they can affect the course of estrous cycle in cattle.