In vitro effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on ovarian, pituitary, and pineal function in pigs

The aims of the study were: (1) to examine 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and/or prolactin (PRL) effects on in vitro secretion of progesterone (P(4)) and estradiol (E(2)) by luteinized granulosa and theca cells from porcine preovulatory follicles; and (2) to determine the effects of TCDD on PRL, luteinizing hormone (LH), and melatonin luteal phase in pigs. We found that TCDD itself did not affect progesterone secretion, but it abolished the stimulatory effect of PRL in the follicular cells. TCDD stimulated PRL secretion during the luteal phase and inhibited during the follicular phase. Moreover, TCDD increased luteinizing hormone secretion by pituitary cells during the follicular phase. In contrast to protein and steroid hormones, melatonin secretion in vitro was not affected by TCDD. In conclusion, it was found that the pituitary-ovarian axis in pigs is sensitive to TCDD, and the dioxin exhibited a profound ability to disrupt the ovarian actions of prolactin.