[Histopathological changes of the cryptorchid testis and epididymis of mice exposed to DEHP].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of DEHP on the incidence of cryptorchidism and the histopathological changes of the testis and epididymis in mice.

METHODS

Forty KM mice were divided into 5 groups randomly: normal control group (n=8), corn oil group (n=8), DES group (n=8), low DEHP group (n=9), and high DEHP group (n=7). DEHP[100 or 500 mg/(kg x d)], DES[100 microg/(kg x d)] and corn oil were administrated respectively to the pregnant mice from gestation day 12 (GD 12) until postnatal day 3 (PND3). The incidence of cryptorchidism with testicular morphologic and histological changes in the male pups was observed.

RESULTS

Significantly increased incidence of cryptorchidism was seen in the male pups with increasing exposure to DEHP. Cryptorchid testicular volumes and weights significantly decreased compared with the control. Abnormal pathological and ultrastructural alternations of seminiferous epithelium and Leydig cells were also observed. Meanwhile less or no sperm was found in the lumen of the epididymis.

CONCLUSIONS

During the critical period of male sexual differentiation, exposure to DEHP may lead to a significantly high incidence of cryptorchidism, testicular damage and fertility impairment in the male offspring. The effects of DEHP are dosage-dependent.