Regulatory and junctional proteins of the blood-testis barrier in human Sertoli cells are modified by monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and bisphenol A (BPA) exposure

• Published in: Toxicology in vitro Vol. 34; pp. 1 - 7
• Main Authors: de Freitas, André Teves Aquino Gonçalves, Ribeiro, Mariana Antunes, Pinho, Cristiane Figueiredo, Peixoto, André Rebelo, Domeniconi, Raquel Fantin, Scarano, Wellerson R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.08.2016
• Subjects: (HSeC) Human Sertoli cells; Antigens, CD - metabolism; Benzhydryl Compounds - toxicity; beta Catenin - metabolism; Bisphenol A; Blood-testis barrier; Blood-Testis Barrier - drug effects; Blood-Testis Barrier - metabolism; Cadherins - metabolism; Cell Line; Cell Survival - drug effects; Endocrine disruptors; Endocrine Disruptors - toxicity; Humans; Male; Male reproductive function; Monobutyl phthalate; Occludin - metabolism; Phenols - toxicity; Phthalic Acids - toxicity; Sertoli Cells - drug effects; Sertoli Cells - metabolism; Spermatogenesis; Zonula Occludens-1 Protein - metabolism; Endocrine disruptors; Bisphenol A; (HSeC) Human Sertoli cells; Male reproductive function; Blood-testis barrier; Monobutyl phthalate
• ISSN: 0887-2333; 1879-3177
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2016.02.017

The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is responsible for providing a protected environment and coordinating the spermatogenesis. Endocrine disruptors (EDs) might lead to infertility, interfering in the BTB structure and modulation. This study aimed to correlate the actions of two EDs, monobutyl phthalate (MBP) and bisphenol A (BPA) in different periods of exposure, in a low toxicity dose to the human Sertoli cells (HSeC) and its effects on the proteins of the BTB and regulatory proteins involved in its modulation. HSeC cells were exposed to MBP (10μM) and BPA (20μM) for 6 and 48h. Western Blot assay indicated that MBP was able to reduce the expression of occludin, ZO-1, N-cadherin and Androgen Receptor (AR), while BPA leads to a reduction of occludin, ZO-1, β-catenin and AR. TGF-β2 and F-actin were not modified. Phalloidin and Hematoxylin and Eosin assay revealed phenotically disruption in Sertoli cells adhesion, without changes in F-actin expression or localization. Our data suggested both EDs present potential for disrupting the structure and maintenance of the human BTB by AR dependent pathway. •MBP and BPA induced tight and gap junction disruption.•Phalloidin and HE staining revealed loss of cell adhesion.•MBP and BPA were able to reduce androgen receptor and junction proteins expression.•MBP and BPA have the potential to disturb the blood-testis barrier in Sertoli cells.