Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
9034110 | Reproductive Toxicology | 2005 | 10 Pages |
Abstract
Interaction of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/nuclear translocator (ARNT) system might interfere with the mechanisms controlling the sexual differentiation of the developing hypothalamus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of AhR/ARNT in brain cells and the developmental profile of their expression in the hypothalamus of male and female rats during the perinatal period. Brain accumulation of the main PCB congeners after prenatal exposure to Aroclor 1254 and its influence on hypothalamic expression of AhR/ARNT was also assessed. The results show that: (a) AhR and ARNT are expressed both in neurons and in glia; (b) AhR expression progressively increases in the developing hypothalamus particularly in males, while ARNT is relatively constant in both sexes; (c) the prenatal administration of Aroclor to dams produces a differential accumulation of PCBs, depending on the chlorine atom number, and stimulates AhR expression only in the male hypothalamus. In conclusion, the developing male hypothalamus might be more sensitive to disrupting potential of PCBs.
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Authors
Antonia Pravettoni, Alessandra Colciago, Paola Negri-Cesi, Sara Villa, Fabio Celotti,