Transgenerational Effects of Di-(2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) on Stress Hormones and Behavior

摘要: Exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) has been linked male reproductive abnormalities. Here, we assessed transgenerational actions of DEHP on several behaviors and stress responses. We used 2 doses (150- 200-mg/kg body weight) a treatment regimen previously shown produce effects reproduction. Mice, 3 generations removed from exposure (F3), were tested for social behavior anxiety the elevated plus maze. collected blood pituitaries undisturbed restrained mice. Body weights, anogenital distances, organ weights at killing. In interaction tests juvenile males lineage (200 mg/kg) displayed more digging less self-grooming than did controls. Interestingly, 150-mg/kg males, killed in early puberty, had smaller seminal vesicle their However, (killed average 10 d later) not show this effect. Females lower corticosterone concentrations controls after restraint stress. also found sex- DEHP-specific mRNA expression changes pituitary 6 stress-related genes measured. particular, Gnas was by combination Thus, are noted behavior, females, levels corticosterone. Both these results may be related modifications hormones involved hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.