MEHP/DEHP: gonadal toxicity and effects on rodent accessory sex organs

The phthalate acid esters (PAEs), and, in particular, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and its monoester, monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), can adversely affect rodent testes but only at high doses. Rat gonadal zinc levels can be decreased by the injection of DEHP, but not MEHP. The rat prostate gland seems to be particularly sensitive to PAE-induced zinc depletion. PAE-induced changes in male reproductive organs were more evident in the rat than in the mouse. Some of the effects of MEHP can be demonstrated in vitro since it can alter the uptake of 65Zn in rodent gonads and accessory sex organs.