Endocrine Disruptive Effects of the Herbicides Linuron, Chloridazon and Metribuzin on Bovine Granulosa Cells

Linuron, chloridazon and metribuzin are herbicides thought to have potential endocrine disruption (ED) effects. This study investigated the effects of linuron, chloridazon and metribuzin on bovine granulosa cell viability and oestrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) secretion in vitro. Cells were exposed to 10, 50 and 250 μM linuron; 10, 100 and 1000 μM chloridazon, and 25, 250 and 2500 μM metribuzin for 48 and 96 h. At both time points, linuron had no effect on cell viability, whereas chloridazon and metribuzin decreased viability at the highest doses. E2 and P4 release decreased at 96 h in all groups, with significant differences observed at the highest doses (250 μM linuron, 1000 μM chloridazon and 2500 μM metribuzin). The study demonstrated that chloridazon and metribuzin exerted cytotoxic effects at the highest concentrations and that all three herbicides disrupted E2 and P4 secretion in a time-by-dose dependent manner. The results of this study may serve to raise awareness of the endocrine-disrupting effects of herbicides and to promote the consideration of alternatives for use that do not harm animal and human health.