Effect of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate on 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity in testis of rat

The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the effects of di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) on 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17 beta-HSD) activity in the testis of adult rat. DEHP was administered to rats by gavage at doses of 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body wt./d for 15 days. The absolute and relative weights of testes were significantly decreased only at the highest dose level. The activity of 17 beta-HSD was decreased in animals exposed to 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of DEHP. The data suggest that DEHP may affect testicular steroidogenesis adversely.