Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

A Seminiferous Tubule Squash Technique for the Cytological Analysis of Spermatogenesis Using the Mouse Model
Published on: February 6, 2018
p,p'-DDE induces apoptosis of rat Sertoli cells via a FasL-dependent pathway
Yuqin Shi1, Yang Song, Yinan Wang
1MOE Key Lab of Environment and Health, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China.
Abstract:
One,1-dichloro-2,2 bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene (p,p'-DDE), the major metabolite of 2,2-bis(4-Chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), is a known persistent organic pollutant and male reproductive toxicant. It has antiandrogenic effect. However, the mechanism by which p,p'-DDE exposure causes male reproductive toxicity remains unknown. In the present study, rat Sertoli cells were used to investigate the molecular mechanism involved in p,p'-DDE-induced toxicity in male reproductive system. The results indicated that p,p'-DDE exposure at over 30 muM showed the induction of apoptotic cell death. p,p'-DDE could induce increases in FasL mRNA and protein, which could be blocked by an antioxidant agent, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). In addition, caspase-3 and -8 were activated by p,p'-DDE treatment in these cells. The activation of NF-kappaB was enhanced with the increase of p,p'-DDE dose. Taken together, these results suggested that exposure to p,p'-DDE might induce apoptosis of rat Sertoli cells through a FasL-dependent pathway.
Related Concept Videos
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Caspases
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Apoptosis
Abnormal Proliferation
