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Related Experiment Videos

Developmental exposure to estrogens induces persistent changes in skeletal tissue.

S Migliaccio1, R R Newbold, B C Bullock

  • 1Receptor Biology Section, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709.

Endocrinology
|March 1, 1992
PubMed
Summary

Neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) causes permanent bone changes in adult mice. This study highlights bone as an estrogen target tissue, suggesting childhood estrogen exposure influences adult bone density.

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Bone Biology

Background:

  • Estrogen exposure during development can cause irreversible changes in target tissues like the reproductive tract and mammary glands.
  • Estrogens significantly impact bone turnover, with estrogen receptors (ER) detected in bone cells suggesting direct effects.
  • Neonatal exposure to synthetic estrogens like diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a concern for long-term health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if short-term neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) induces permanent alterations in bone tissue.
  • To determine if bone is a direct estrogen target tissue affected by developmental exposure.
  • To explore the potential link between childhood estrogen exposure and adult peak bone density.

Main Methods:

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  • Newborn mice (days 1-5) were exposed to a specific dose of diethylstilbestrol (DES) (2 micrograms/pup/day).
  • Skeletal changes were assessed in adulthood, focusing on femur length and bone mass in femurs and vertebrae.
  • Comparison was made between DES-exposed animals and age-matched control groups.

    • Main Results:

    • Neonatal DES exposure resulted in significantly shorter femurs in adult mice compared to controls.
    • A substantial increase (1.5-fold) in bone mass was observed in both long bones (femurs) and short bones (vertebrae) of DES-exposed animals.
    • These findings demonstrate permanent changes in skeletal tissue following early-life estrogen exposure.

    Conclusions:

    • Bone tissue is confirmed as a specific target for estrogen action, even after short-term developmental exposure.
    • Neonatal exposure to DES induces lasting modifications in bone structure and mass.
    • Physiological estrogen exposure during childhood may be a critical determinant of peak bone density in adulthood.