Di-(2-ethylhcxyl) phthalate reduces progesterone levels and induces apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cell in adult female ICR mice.

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as an environmental endocrine disruptor is a known reproductive toxicant and carcinogen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the female reproductive toxicity of DEHP. Sixty ICR female mice were randomized into four groups dosed with 0, 125, 500, or 2 000 mg/kg DEHP by gavage for 16 weeks, 6 days/week. DEHP treatment prolonged duration of the estrous cycle in mice at 500 and 2000 mg/kg DEHP, but no significant effects on estrus phase of the cycle in each group were detected. Exposure to DEHP inhibited secretion of serum progesterone. DEHP arrested granulosa cells at G(0)/G(1) phases and increased proportion of apoptosis cells at 500 and 2000 mg/kg DEHP. There was no significant difference in P450arom mRNA expression among groups. Results demonstrate that DEHP can produce toxicity in female reproductive system.