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Modulation of prolactin expression by xenoestrogens
Joël Rousseau1, Louis Cossette, Sonya Grenier
1Department of Biochemistry, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec G9A 5H7, Canada.
General and Comparative Endocrinology
|May 29, 2002
Summary
Endosulfan and chlordane, environmental pollutants, significantly increase prolactin (PRL) expression in pituitary cells. These insecticides may disrupt endocrine functions by modulating estrogen-inducible genes, not solely through estrogen receptor binding.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Environmental Toxicology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Xenoestrogens are environmental chemicals under scrutiny for endocrine-disrupting potential.
- Endosulfan and chlordane are persistent insecticides suspected of estrogenic activity.
- Pituitary GH(3) cells are known to increase prolactin (PRL) secretion in response to estrogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential estrogenic activity of endosulfan and chlordane.
- To understand the mechanism by which these insecticides affect PRL expression.
- To assess the impact of endosulfan and chlordane on pituitary cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- GH(3) pituitary cell line was utilized.
- PRL secretion and mRNA transcription were measured using immunometric assays, Northern blots, and RT-PCR.
- XTT proliferation assay was employed to assess cell growth.
Main Results:
- Endosulfan and chlordane significantly increased PRL expression and mRNA transcription.
- Neither endosulfan nor chlordane affected GH(3) cell proliferation.
- Results suggest a mechanism beyond direct estrogen receptor competition.
Conclusions:
- Endosulfan and chlordane exhibit estrogenic activity by modulating PRL expression.
- These insecticides may act through second messenger pathways rather than solely binding to estrogen receptors.
- Findings highlight the endocrine-disrupting potential of these environmental chemicals.