Alterations of the hormones follitropin and lutropin in the blood of young mice dosed with lindane

Abstract Background The gonadotropins lutropin and follitropin stimulate steroid synthesis in the gonads during gonadal maturation by promoting oogenesis and spermatogenesis. Endocrine disruptors such as lindane (γHCH) can alter the reproductive stage so and could alter puberty by interfering with lutropin and follitropin signaling. γHCH was classified by World Health Organization as “moderately restricted”, and in 2009 it is production and agricultural use was prohibited, under the Stockholm Convention, however, its use as a pharmaceutical treatment against lice and scabies is still allowed (and mainly, for use by the health sector). This study aimed to examine the effects of single-dose exposure to γHCH in young mice (Mus musculus) on lutropin and follitropin concentration, and to correlate gonadal maturity status and phenotypic characteristics. Methods Young γHCH-treated mice (16 females and 16 males) received a single dose of 25, 10, 5, or 0 µg/ml γHCH per gram of body weight, ocular route. Once secondary sexual characteristics were observed, the gonads were dissected and examined using histological techniques and the ovarian follicles were classified as dependent and independent of gonadotropins; the testicles were classified as inactive, early and late spermatogenesis; and the blood was processed with the lutropin and follitropin ELISA kit. Results The results indicate significant differences in the concentration of lutropin and follitropin between males and females (Fisher p