In utero single low-dose exposure of cadmium induces rat fetal Leydig cell dysfunction. (March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Li, Xiaojun; Liu, Jianpeng; Wu, Siwen; Zheng, Wenwen; Li, Huitao; Bao, Suhao; Chen, Yong; Guo, Xiaoling; Zhang, Lei; Ge, Ren-Shan
• Is Part Of: Chemosphere. Volume 194(2018)
• Page Start: 57
• Page End: 66
• Publication Date: 2018-03
• Subjects: Leydig cells -- Cadmium chloride -- Testis -- Fetal Leydig cell development -- Rat; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Physiological effect -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; Atmospheric chemistry -- Periodicals; 551.511
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.159
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0045-6535

Abstract

Abstract: Cadmium chloride (Cd) is a potent endocrine disruptor and may cause the malformation in the male reproductive tract. However, the effects of a single in utero exposure to low doses of Cd on fetal Leydig cell development are still unknown. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of a single in utero exposure to low doses of Cd on rat fetal Leydig cell development. Adult 64-day-old Sprague-Dawley dams received a single intraperitoneal injection of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/kg Cd on gestational day 12. Cd dose-dependently reduced testosterone production of fetal testis, lowered fetal Leydig cell numbers, downregulated protein expression levels of Leydig (LHCGR, SCARB1, STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, and CYP17A1), and Sertoli cells (HSD17B3, DHH, and FSHR). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that a single in utero exposure to low doses of Cd blocked fetal Leydig cell development. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Cadmium reduces rat fetal Leydig cell number. Cadmium reduces fetal testicular testosterone levels. Cadmium downregulates fetal Leydig and Sertoli cell gene expressions. Cadmium downregulates fetal Leydig and Sertoli cell protein expressions.