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Chlorothalonil inhibits mouse ovarian development through endocrine disruption

Yanan Hao1, Hongfu Zhang2, Pengfei Zhang3

  • 1College of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China; College of Biological Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, PR China.

Toxicology Letters
|December 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Low-dose chlorothalonil exposure inhibits peripubertal ovarian development in mice. This fungicide disrupts follicle maturation and hormone signaling, posing potential risks to female reproductive health.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Developmental Toxicology

Background:

  • Chlorothalonil is a widely used fungicide in agriculture.
  • Previous studies focused on general toxicity and reproductive effects, with limited research on ovarian development.
  • Puberty represents a critical period for female reproductive system maturation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of low-dose chlorothalonil on peripubertal mouse ovarian development.
  • To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of chlorothalonil's impact on the ovary.
  • To assess potential risks to female reproductive health from dietary chlorothalonil exposure.

Main Methods:

  • Exposure of peripubertal mice to low doses of chlorothalonil.
  • Assessment of ovarian development, including follicle counts (primary and mature).
  • Analysis of hormone receptor protein levels (FSH receptor, estrogen receptor alpha), DNA repair markers (RAD51), and apoptosis.

Main Results:

  • Chlorothalonil significantly inhibited ovarian development during puberty.
  • Exposure led to an increased number of primary follicles and a decreased number of mature follicles.
  • Mechanisms involved decreased FSH receptor and estrogen receptor alpha, increased RAD51, and elevated apoptosis.

Conclusions:

  • Low-dose chlorothalonil disrupts endocrine function and inhibits ovarian development in peripubertal mice.
  • The findings suggest a potential health risk to female reproductive systems, particularly the ovary.
  • Chlorothalonil contamination from fruits and vegetables may pose a risk to human female reproductive health.
Keywords:
ChlorothalonilDevelopmentEndocrine disruptingOvaryPubertal

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