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Perinatal Exposure to Methoxychlor Affects Reproductive Function and Sexual Behavior in Mice
Mariangela Martini1,2, Pascal Froment1, Isabelle Franceschini1
1Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 7247 INRA/CNRS/Université François Rabelais, Nouzilly, France.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|October 5, 2020
Summary
Methoxychlor (MXC) exposure during development impacts mouse reproductive health. Offspring exhibited altered puberty timing, reduced fertility in males, and deficits in sexual behavior, highlighting environmental endocrine disruptor concerns.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Environmental contaminants like Methoxychlor (MXC) possess estrogenic properties, raising health concerns.
- Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can interfere with reproductive system development and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of perinatal Methoxychlor (MXC) exposure on reproductive physiology and sexual behavior in mice offspring.
- To assess the impact of environmentally relevant doses of MXC on sexual development and function.
Main Methods:
- Perinatal exposure of mice to Methoxychlor (MXC) at a dose of 20 μg/kg/day from gestational day 11 to postnatal day 8.
- Evaluation of anogenital distance, preputial separation, vaginal opening, estrous cycles, reproductive organ weights, and testosterone levels.
- Assessment of sexual behavior using mate preference tests and analysis of kisspeptin cell expression.
Main Results:
- MXC exposure altered anogenital distance and puberty timing (advanced in females).
- Male mice showed reduced epididymis and seminiferous vesicle weights, lower testosterone, and smaller seminiferous tubules.
- Both male and female offspring exhibited deficits in mate preference tests, indicating impaired sexual behavior.
Conclusions:
- Perinatal exposure to environmentally relevant doses of Methoxychlor (MXC) significantly impacts reproductive outcomes in mice.
- MXC exposure can lead to altered sexual development, reduced male reproductive capacity, and behavioral deficits.
- These findings underscore the potential risks of environmental EDCs to reproductive health across sexes.
