Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
Collection of Alfalfa Root Exudates to Study the Impact of Di2-ethylhexyl Phthalate on Metabolite Production
Published on: June 2, 2023
Prenatal exposure to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) affects reproductive outcomes in female mice
Sarah Niermann1, Saniya Rattan1, Emily Brehm1
1Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
Abstract:
This study tested the hypothesis that prenatal DEHP exposure affects female reproduction. To test this hypothesis, pregnant female CD-1 mice were orally dosed daily with tocopherol-stripped corn oil (vehicle control) or DEHP (20 μg/kg/day-750 mg/kg/day) from gestation day 11-birth. Pups were counted, weighed, and sexed at birth, ovaries were subjected to evaluations of follicle numbers on postnatal days (PNDs) 8 and 21, and fertility was evaluated at 3-9 months. The results indicate that prenatal DEHP exposure increased male-to-female ratio compared to controls. Prenatal DEHP exposure also increased preantral follicle numbers at PND 21 compared to controls. Further, 22.2% of the 20 μg/kg/day treated animals took longer than 5 days to get pregnant at 3 months and 28.6% of the 750 mg/kg/day treated animals lost some of their pups at 6 months. Thus, prenatal DEHP exposure alters F1 sex ratio, increases preantral follicle numbers, and causes some breeding abnormalities.
Insights
Prenatal exposure to Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) impacts female mice reproduction by altering sex ratios, increasing preantral follicles, and causing breeding issues. These findings highlight potential reproductive risks associated with DEHP exposure.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Toxicology
- Endocrinology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common plasticizer with known endocrine-disrupting properties.
- Concerns exist regarding the impact of prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals like DEHP on reproductive health.
- Understanding DEHP's effects on female reproductive development is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of prenatal Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) exposure on female reproductive parameters in CD-1 mice.
- To evaluate changes in sex ratio, ovarian follicle development, and fertility following maternal DEHP administration during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Pregnant CD-1 mice were administered daily oral doses of DEHP (20 μg/kg/day-750 mg/kg/day) or vehicle control from gestation day 11 to birth.
- Offspring were assessed for sex ratio, body weight, ovarian follicle counts at postnatal days 8 and 21, and fertility at 3-9 months of age.
Main Results:
- Prenatal DEHP exposure significantly increased the male-to-female ratio in offspring compared to controls.
- An increase in preantral follicle numbers was observed in female offspring at postnatal day 21 following DEHP exposure.
- Delayed pregnancy and pup loss were observed in female offspring exposed to DEHP prenatally.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal DEHP exposure adversely affects female reproductive outcomes, including altered sex ratios and ovarian development.
- DEHP exposure during critical developmental windows can lead to long-term reproductive abnormalities and potential fertility impairments.
- These findings underscore the potential reproductive risks of prenatal exposure to DEHP.
