In utero exposure to 2.3', 4.4', 5- Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118) alters postnatal reproductive development in female rat

  • Kim, Soon-Sun (National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FDA) ;
  • Rhee, Gyu-Seek (National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FD) ;
  • Kim, So-Hee (National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FD) ;
  • Sohn, Kyung-Hee (National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FD) ;
  • Kwack, Seung-Jun (National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FD) ;
  • Lee, Rhee-Da (National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FD) ;
  • Park, Chul-Hoon (National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FD) ;
  • Kil, Kwang-Sup (National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FD) ;
  • Choi, Kwang-Sik (National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FDA) ;
  • Park, Kui-Lea (National Institute of Toxicological Research, Korea FDA)
  • Published : 2002.10.01

Abstract

Our previous study demonstrated that 2.3', 4.4'. 5- Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 118) showed an antiestrogenic activity in vitro and in vivo. In the present study. we examined the effect of PCB 118 on postnatal reproductive development in female rats. PCB 118 (0.001. 0.01 or 0.1 mg/kg/day) was administered to pregnant female SD rats from gestation day (GO) 6 to 18 via subcutaneous injection. and developmental parameters such as vaginal opening were determined. PCB 118 significantly delayed vaginal opening of female offsprings at dose of 0.1 ${\mu}g$/kg/day. whereas had no effects on body weights. In addition. in utero treatment of PCB 118 caused significant decreases in serum levels of E2, T3 and T4 in female oftsprings at certain doses on postnatal day (PND) 22. Our data of results indicate that in utero exposure to PCB 118 may postnatal reproductive development in female rat through its antiestrogenic activity.

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