In utero exposure to the endocrine disruptor di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate targets ovarian theca cells and steroidogenesis in the adult female rat.

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is an endocrine disruptor used in industry as an additive to polyvinyl chloride-based products. Pregnant dams were gavaged with oil, 1, 20, 50, or 300mg of DEHP/kg/day from gestational day 14 until birth in order to characterize the effects of DEHP in the adult female offspring. In utero exposure to DEHP resulted in reduced estrogen levels at proestrus. Theca cell layer thickness was decreased starting at 50mg DEHP/kg/day dose. Follicle-stimulating hormone levels were significantly increased at proestrus and estrus. F1 reproduction using a known breeder was not affected. F3 generation showed a decreased pregnancy rate and weight, and increased litter size in the animals exposed to 20mg DEHP/kg/day. The data presented herein suggest that in utero exposure to DEHP targets the theca cell layer and decreases the estrus cycle steroid surge, but despite these effects, does not cause infertility.