Lactational Exposure to Di (2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate Impairs the Ovarian and Uterine Function of Adult Offspring Rat.

Phthalates, a class of chemicals used as plasticizers, are economically important due to several industrial applications. Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most commonly used phthalate plasticizer, and it has been described as a potent antiandrogen in males. In this study, lactating dams were exposed via oral gavage to corn oil (vehicle) and DEHP (1, 10, and 100 mg/kg body weight) from postnatal day 1 to 21, and the effects were evaluated in the ovary and uterus of F₁ progeny. DEHP exposure significantly decreased the body weight and organ weight in a dose-dependent manner. Serum levels of estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone were decreased but anogenital distance was unaffected. The mRNA expressions of luteinizing hormone receptor, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor, androgen receptor, estrogen receptor (ERα and ERβ), progesterone receptor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, aromatase, and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein were altered in the ovary of F1 progeny rats. Our finding suggest that lactational exposure to DEHP has transgenerational effect on female reproductive system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]