Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) alters proliferation and uterine gland numbers in the uteri of adult exposed mice

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that has been shown to impair normal reproductive function in males and females. This study investigated whether adult exposure to environmental and occupational doses of DEHP alters homeostasis of uterine proliferation, morphology, and number of uterine glands. Adult female CD1 mice were orally dosed with DEHP (0, 20 μg/kg/day, 200 μg/kg/day, 20 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day) for 30 days. Results indicated that DEHP at 200 μg/kg/day caused a reduction in epithelial cell proliferation in the uterus (p < .05). We also observed an increase (p < .05) in the number of uterine glands in mice dosed with 200 mg/kg/day DEHP. Results showed that DEHP caused an increase (p < .05) in dilated blood vessels in the endometrium at 200 μg/kg/day, 20 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day. DEHP also increased proliferation of endometrial stromal cells at 200 μg/kg/day DEHP (p < .0010), 20 mg/kg/day DEHP (p < .0001) and 200 mg/kg/day DEHP (p < .0186). Results suggest that, exposure to specific doses of DEHP for 30 days can have adverse effects on reproductive function.