Acute effects of polychlorinated biphenyl-containing and -free transformer fluids on rat testicular steroidogenesis.

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-based transformer fluids belong to a class of environmentally persistent mixtures with known toxic effects. Here, we studied the acute effects of Askarel (which contains Aroclor 1260) and two substitute transformer fluids (the silicone oil-based DC561 and the mineral oil-based ENOL C) on rat testicular steroidogenesis. Single intraperitoneal (ip; 10 mg/kg body weight) or bilateral intratesticular (itt; 25 microg/testis) injections of Askarel markedly decreased serum androgen levels 24 hr after administration. In acute testicular cultures from these animals, chorionic gonadotropin-stimulated progesterone and androgen productions were severely attenuated. When itt was injected or added in vitro, Askarel inhibited 3ss-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ssHSD), stimulated 17[alpha]-hydroxylase/lyase (P450c17), and did not affect 17ss-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in testicular postmitochondrial fractions. The ip-injected Askarel did not affect 3ssHSD, but inhibited P450c17, suggesting that a more intensive metabolism of peripherally injected Askarel reduces the circulating levels of active ingredients below the threshold needed for inhibition of 3ssHSD and generates a derivative that inhibits P450c17. In contrast to Askarel, itt-injection (25 microg/testis) of DC561 and ENOL C did not affect in vivo and in vitro steroidogenesis. These findings show the acute effects of Askarel, but not silicone and mineral oils, on testicular steroidogenesis.

• Authors: S A Andric, T S Kostic, S M Dragisic, N L Andric, S S Stojilkovic, R Z Kovacevic
• Journal: Environmental health perspectives (Environ Health Perspect) Vol. 108 Issue 10 Pg. 955-9 (Oct 2000) ISSN: 0091-6765 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11049815 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Aroclors
• Testicular Hormones
• aroclor 1260
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls

Topics

• Animals
• Aroclors (adverse effects)
• Culture Techniques
• Infusions, Parenteral
• Male
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (adverse effects)
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar
• Testicular Hormones (biosynthesis)
• Testis (drug effects, physiology)