[Male reproductive toxicity of polychlorinated biphenyls]

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants with estrogen-like effects that exist widely in the environment, and its male reproductive toxicity is arousing more and more attention. Studies indicate that different types of cells in the testis respond differently to PCBs exposure. This article presents an overview on the toxicity of PCBs to testicular germ cells, Leydig cells, Sertoli cells and male offspring. We suggest that deeper studies focus on the mechanism of PCBs according to the results of investigations on male reproductive epidemiology. An insight into the intercellular junctions of Sertoli cells might produce a breakthrough in the studies of the testicular toxicity of PCBs.