Effects of monobutyl and di(n-butyl) phthalate in vitro on steroidogenesis and Leydig cell aggregation in fetal testis explants from the rat: comparison with effects in vivo in the fetal rat and neonatal marmoset and in vitro in the human.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Certain phthalates can impair Leydig cell distribution and steroidogenesis in the fetal rat in utero, but it is unknown whether similar effects might occur in the human.

Objectives

Our aim in this study was to investigate the effects of di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP), or its metabolite monobutyl phthalate (MBP), on testosterone production and Leydig cell aggregation (LCA) in fetal testis explants from the rat and human, and to compare the results with in vivo findings for DBP-exposed rats. We also wanted to determine if DBP/MBP affects testosterone production in vivo in the neonatal male marmoset.

Methods

Fetal testis explants obtained from the rat [gestation day (GD)19.5] and from the human (15-19 weeks of gestation) were cultured for 24-48 hr with or without

SUBMITTER: Hallmark N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1849934 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature