Effect of postnatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on adult male reproductive function

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been found widely distributed in the ecosystem, including human milk, yet there is limited information concerning the effect that PCB exposure during the postnatal period might have on subsequent reproductive capacity of adult male offspring. In this study, fertility and condition of reproductive organs were examined in male offspring of rats that received Aroclor 1254 orally (8, 32, or 64 mg/kg) on Days 1-3, 5, 7, and 9 of lactation. It was found that the experimental male offspring as adults were less successful in mating and reproducing when compared with control offspring. Virgin females mated with males exposed through suckling to the two higher doses of PCBs had a significantly lower proportion of ovulated eggs that implanted, a significantly lower number of live fetuses, and a significantly higher rate of resorption. At autopsy, although body weights were not significantly different, ventral prostate weights were significantly less in all treated male offspring; there were fewer alveoli and flattened epithelial cells in these glands as compared to controls. Seminal vesicle weights were significantly less in males exposed to the two higher doses of PCBs, while the testes were significantly larger. PCB-derived material remained in adipose tissue and liver at the time of autopsy. These data support the hypothesis that exposure of male offspring to PCBs during early postnatal development results in an hypoandrogenic condition that is detrimental to normal reproductive functioning in the adult.