In vivo and in vitro effects of PCB126 and PCB153 on rat testicular androgenesis

• Published in: Environmental toxicology and pharmacology Vol. 25; no. 2; pp. 222 - 226
• Main Authors: Andric, N, Kostic, T, Kaisarevic, S, Fa, S, Pogrmic, K, Kovacevic, R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.03.2008
• Subjects: Androgenesis; Emergency; PCB126; PCB153; Rat Leydig cells; Androgenesis; PCB153; PCB126; Rat Leydig cells
• ISSN: 1382-6689; 1872-7077
• DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2007.10.002

Abstract In this study we compared the effects of PCB126 and PCB153 on adult rat testicular androgenesis and the status of antioxidant enzymes in the interstitial cell compartment 96 h after local intratesticular application. Obtained results indicated PCB126-induced inhibition of conversion of progesterone (P) and Δ4 -androstenedione (A4 ) to testosterone (T), and stimulation of conversion of P to T induced by PCB153, while combined application had no effect. Activities of antioxidant enzymes were unchanged, except of decreased activity of SOD in PCB126-treated group. In parallel experiments, adult purified Leydig cells challenged with PCB congeners were incubated for 2 h in the presence of corresponding steroid substrates. Results demonstrated that in the presence of subsaturating substrate concentrations PCB126 induced inhibition of conversion of P and A4 to T at nM to μM doses, while PCB153 caused stimulation at nM concentrations. Further studies should indicate possible mechanism(s) of modulation of androgenesis by tested PCB congeners.