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Abe N, Sakiyama A, Suzuki M, Win-Shwe TT, Suzuki T, Kawashima T, Tsukahara S. Ethynylestradiol feminizes gene expression partly in testis developing as ovotestis and disrupts asymmetric Müllerian duct development by eliminating asymmetric gene expression in Japanese quail embryos. Toxicol Sci 2024; 199:210-226. [PMID: 38526210 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In avian embryos, xenoestrogens induce abnormalities in reproductive organs, particularly the testes and Müllerian ducts (MDs). However, the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. We investigated the effects of ethynylestradiol (EE2) exposure on gene expression associated with reproductive organ development in Japanese quail embryos. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that the left testis containing ovary-like tissues following EE2 exposure highly expressed the genes for steroidogenic enzymes (P450scc, P45017α, lyase, and 3β-HSD) and estrogen receptor-β, compared to the right testis. No asymmetry was found in these gene expression without EE2. EE2 induced hypertrophy in female MDs and suppressed atrophy in male MDs on both sides. RNA sequencing analysis of female MDs showed 1,366 differentially expressed genes between developing left MD and atrophied right MD in the absence of EE2, and these genes were enriched in Gene Ontology terms related to organogenesis, including cell proliferation, migration and differentiation, and angiogenesis. However, EE2 reduced asymmetrically expressed genes to 21. RT-qPCR analysis indicated that genes promoting cell cycle progression and oncogenesis were more highly expressed in the left MD than in the right MD, but EE2 eliminated such asymmetric gene expression by increasing levels on the right side. EE2-exposed males showed overexpression of these genes in both MDs. This study reveals part of the molecular basis of xenoestrogen-induced abnormalities in avian reproductive organs, where EE2 may partly feminize gene expression in the left testis, developing as the ovotestis, and induce bilateral MD malformation by canceling asymmetric gene expression underlying MD development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsuko Abe
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Akari Sakiyama
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Maho Suzuki
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Tin-Tin Win-Shwe
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Takehiro Suzuki
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Takaharu Kawashima
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukahara
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
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Win-Shwe TT, Abe N, Sakiyama A, Suzuki M, Sano K, Kawashima T, Tsukahara S. In ovo o,p'-DDT exposure induces malformation of reproductive organs and alters the expression of genes controlling sexual differentiation in Japanese quail embryo. J Appl Toxicol 2024; 44:699-711. [PMID: 38102769 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In ovo exposure to o,p'-dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (o,p'-DDT) impairs reproduction by inducing malformation of the reproductive organs in birds, although the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we examined the effects of o,p'-DDT on the development of the reproductive organs, the expression of genes controlling sexual differentiation, and the plasma concentrations of testosterone and estradiol in Japanese quail embryos. o,p'-DDT-containing sesame oil was injected into the yolk sac on Embryonic Day (E) 3 at a dose of 500, 2,000, or 8,000 μg per egg. On E15, the reproductive organs were observed; the gonads and Müllerian ducts (MDs) were sampled to measure the mRNA of steroidogenic enzymes, sex steroid receptors, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and AMH receptor 2 (AMHR2); blood samples were collected to assay plasma testosterone and estradiol levels; and the gonads were used for histological analysis. o,p'-DDT dose-dependently increased the prevalence of hypertrophic MDs in females and residual MDs in males. In female MDs, o,p'-DDT dose-dependently decreased estrogen receptor (ER) α, ERβ, and AMHR2 mRNA expression. o,p'-DDT dose-dependently induced left-biased asymmetry of testis size, and ovary-like tissue was found in the left testis after exposure to 8,000 μg per egg o,p'-DDT, although asymmetric gene expression did not occur. o,p'-DDT did not affect ovarian tissue but did decrease 17α-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase mRNA expression and dose-dependently increased ERβ mRNA expression. o,p'-DDT decreased plasma testosterone concentrations in females. These findings suggest that o,p'-DDT induces hypertrophy of the MDs and ovarian tissue formation in the left testis. Abnormal MD development may be linked to altered gene expression for sensing estrogens and AMH signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin-Tin Win-Shwe
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Natsuko Abe
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akari Sakiyama
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Maho Suzuki
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Sano
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takaharu Kawashima
- Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shinji Tsukahara
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
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Tsukahara S, Morishita M, Sasaki S, Wakayama K, Kobayashi K, Ohno K, Kawashima T. Sexually dimorphic expression of sexual differentiation genes in the internal genital organs of Japanese quail embryos. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2021; 314:113917. [PMID: 34555414 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is an avian model used to evaluate the reproductive and developmental toxicity of chemicals. The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) of Japan established a strain of Japanese quail, NIES-L, which may be a better model because of its highly inbred characteristics. To understand sexual differentiation of the reproductive organs and the value of using NIES-L quails for avian toxicity assessment, we profiled estradiol and androgen plasma levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the mRNA levels of estrogen receptor-α (ERα), ERβ, and androgen receptor (AR) in the gonads, Müllerian ducts, Wolffian ducts; and the mRNA levels of steroidogenic enzymes, cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), 17α-hydroxylase/C17-20 lyase (P45017α, lyase), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), and aromatase (P450arom), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and AMH receptor type 2 (AMHR2) in the gonads of NIES-L Japanese quails on embryonic days 9, 12, and 15 using a real-time quantitative PCR method. The plasma estradiol concentration was higher in females than males on these embryonic days, but no sex difference was found in the plasma androgens. The mRNA levels of all examined steroidogenic enzymes were significantly higher in female than male embryos. In particular, the P450arom mRNA levels showed a striking sex difference: P450arom was expressed in female but not male gonads. In contrast, the AMH and AMHR2 mRNA levels in the gonads were higher in males than females. The ERα, ERβ, and AR mRNA levels increased in the left female gonad and peaked on embryonic day 15, but not in the left and right male gonads; therefore, there was a female-biased sex difference. The ERα, ERβ, and AR mRNA levels in the left Müllerian duct, but not in the right Müllerian duct, of females increased and peaked on embryonic day 15, which resulted in asymmetric mRNA levels. The Wolffian ducts expressed ERα, ERβ, and AR in both sexes, and no sex difference or asymmetry of mRNA levels was found. The information obtained from this study helps elucidate the molecular endocrinological basis of sexual dimorphism formation of reproductive organs and clarify the value of NIES-L quails for toxicity assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinji Tsukahara
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan.
| | - Masahiro Morishita
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Shiho Sasaki
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Kanta Wakayama
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Kaito Kobayashi
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan
| | - Koichi Ohno
- Research Office for Environmental Risk Science, Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
| | - Takaharu Kawashima
- Research Office for Environmental Risk Science, Health and Environmental Risk Division, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba 305-8506, Japan
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Court L, Vandries L, Balthazart J, Cornil CA. Key role of estrogen receptor β in the organization of brain and behavior of the Japanese quail. Horm Behav 2020; 125:104827. [PMID: 32735801 PMCID: PMC7541764 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Estrogens play a key role in the sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior. While early estrogen actions exert masculinizing effects on the brain of male rodents, a diametrically opposite effect is observed in birds where estrogens demasculinize the brain of females. Yet, the two vertebrate classes express similar sex differences in the brain and behavior. Although ERα is thought to play a major role in these processes in rodents, the role of ERβ is still controversial. In birds, the identity of the estrogen receptor(s) underlying the demasculinization of the female brain remains unclear. The aim of the present study was thus to determine in Japanese quail the effects of specific agonists of ERα (propylpyrazole triol, PPT) and ERβ (diarylpropionitrile, DPN) administered at the beginning of the sensitive period (embryonic day 7, E7) on the sexual differentiation of male sexual behavior and on the density of vasotocin-immunoreactive (VT-ir) fibers, a known marker of the organizational action of estrogens on the quail brain. We demonstrate that estradiol benzoate and the ERβ agonist (DPN) demasculinize male sexual behavior and decrease the density of VT-ir fibers in the medial preoptic nucleus and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, while PPT has no effect on these measures. These results clearly indicate that ERβ, but not ERα, is involved in the estrogen-induced sexual differentiation of brain and sexual behavior in quail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Court
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Laura Vandries
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Charlotte A Cornil
- Neuroendocrinology laboratory, GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Farhat A, Crump D, Bidinosti L, Boulanger E, Basu N, Hecker M, Head JA. An Early-Life Stage Alternative Testing Strategy for Assessing the Impacts of Environmental Chemicals in Birds. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2020; 39:141-154. [PMID: 31449668 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Early-life stage (ELS) toxicity tests are recognized as an advancement over current testing methodologies in terms of cost, animal use, and biological relevance. However, standardized ELS tests are not presently available for some vertebrate taxa, including birds. The present study describes a Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) ELS test that is a promising candidate for standardization and applies it to test 8 environmental chemicals (ethinylestradiol, benzo[a]pyrene, chlorpyrifos, fluoxetine, lead(II)nitrate, trenbolone, seleno-L-methionine, hexabromocyclododecane). Individual chemicals were injected into the air cell of unincubated Japanese quail eggs at 3 concentrations, all predicted to cause ≤20% mortality. Survival to embryonic day 16 was consistently high (>90%) among the vehicle-injected controls. All chemicals, except ethinylestradiol, were detected in liver tissue, most at concentrations suggestive of embryonic clearance. Adverse effects were observed for 5 of the 8 chemicals; chlorpyrifos (41.1 µg/g) significantly increased developmental abnormalities and decreased embryo and gallbladder mass. Ethinylestradiol (54.2 µg/g) and hexabromocyclododecane (0.02 µg/g) decreased embryo mass and tarsus length, respectively. Benzo[a]pyrene (0.83 µg/g) and fluoxetine hydrochloride (32.7 µg/g) exceeded the 20% mortality cutoff. No effects were observed following lead(II)nitrate, seleno-L-methionine, or trenbolone exposure up to 10.7, 0.07, and 4.4 µg/g, respectively. Overall, our ELS approach was time- and cost-effective, caused minimal mortality in controls, effectively delivered diverse chemicals to the embryo, and permitted identification of apical outcomes, all of which provide support toward standardization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;39:141-154. © 2019 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Farhat
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Doug Crump
- National Wildlife Research Centre, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Bidinosti
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emily Boulanger
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nil Basu
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Markus Hecker
- Toxicology Centre and School of the Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Jessica A Head
- Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Mattsson A, Brunström B. Effects of selective and combined activation of estrogen receptor α and β on reproductive organ development and sexual behaviour in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180548. [PMID: 28671963 PMCID: PMC5495399 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Excess estrogen exposure of avian embryos perturbs reproductive organ development in both sexes and demasculinizes the reproductive behaviors of adult males. We have previously shown that these characteristic effects on the reproductive organs also can be induced by exposure of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) embryos to selective agonists of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). In contrast, the male copulatory behavior is only weakly affected by developmental exposure to an ERα agonist. To further elucidate the respective roles of ERα and ERβ in estrogen-induced disruption of sexual differentiation, we exposed Japanese quail embryos in ovo to the selective ERα agonist 16α-lactone-estradiol (16αLE2), the selective ERβ agonist WAY-200070, or both substances in combination. The ERα agonist feminized the testes in male embryos and reduced cloacal gland size in adult males. Furthermore, anomalous retention and malformations of the Müllerian ducts/oviducts were seen in embryos and juveniles of both sexes. The ERβ agonist did not induce any of these effects and did not influence the action of the ERα agonist. Male copulatory behavior was not affected by embryonic exposure to either the ERα- or the ERβ-selective agonist but was slightly suppressed by treatment with the two compounds combined. Our results suggest that the reproductive organs become sexually differentiated consequent to activation of ERα by endogenous estrogens; excessive activation of ERα, but not ERβ, during embryonic development may disrupt this process. Our results also suggest that the demasculinizing effect of estrogens on male copulatory behavior is only partly mediated by ERα and ERβ, and may rather involve other estrogen-responsive pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mattsson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Björn Brunström
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Centre for Reproductive Biology in Uppsala (CRU), Uppsala, Sweden
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Jia Y, Yang M, Zhu K, Wang L, Song Y, Wang J, Qin W, Xu Z, Chen Y, Liu G. Melatonin implantation improved the egg-laying rate and quality in hens past their peak egg-laying age. Sci Rep 2016; 6:39799. [PMID: 28008984 PMCID: PMC5180240 DOI: 10.1038/srep39799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The egg-laying rates of hens approximately 470 days of age exhibited a positive correlation to blood melatonin levels. The hens with an egg-laying rate <30%, 30~90% and ≥90% had blood melatonin levels of 5.8 ± 2.6, 74.0 ± 32.9 and 445.9 ± 115.3 ng/ml, respectively. When 10 mg of melatonin was implanted into the hens at 300, 360, 470 and 550 days of age, the egg-laying rates increased 4.63 ± 0.46%, 8.38 ± 1.45%, 4.93 ± 0.85% and 7.93 ± 0.91%, respectively, compared to that of the controls. Melatonin implantation in hens at 300–470 days of age was observed to enhance egg production and reduce the rate of appearance of sharpei eggs. Melatonin (10 mg) implanted in hens 360 days of age did not influence the blood levels of progesterone (P4) or the gene expression levels of ovarian follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), oestradiol receptor alpha (ERα), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) or melatonin receptor 1 (MT1). In contrast, melatonin significantly elevated the serum oestradiol-17β (E2) content, down-regulated the gene expression of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone receptor (GnIHR), and enhanced the expression of melatonin receptor 2 (MT2). This result indicates that the improved egg-laying rate by melatonin was the result of increased serum oestradiol and decreased ovarian GnIHR. These alterations may be mediated by MT2 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxiong Jia
- Beijing Animal Husbandry Station, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Kuanfeng Zhu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Beijing Animal Husbandry Station, Beijing, China
| | - Yukun Song
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenxiang Qin
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Beijing Animal Husbandry Station, Beijing, China
| | - Guoshi Liu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory for Animal Genetic Improvement, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Fang Z, Liu X, Yang X, Song X, Chen X. Effects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on bisphenol A exposure in male mouse reproductive cells. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:5561-7. [PMID: 26135249 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used in numerous consumer products that is able to interfere with the mammalian endocrine system. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of BPA on male mouse reproductive cells following prenatal to postnatal exposure. In addition, the influence of BPA was detected on the expression levels of β‑catenin and dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 1 (DKK‑1) during the differentiation of spermatogenic cells in the mouse testes. β‑catenin and DKK‑1 are two important proteins of the Wnt/β‑catenin signaling pathway. On gestational day 1, pregnant ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups: A dimethyl sulfoxide group, and three groups treated with various concentrations of BPA (0.5, 10, and 50 µg/kg). BPA was administered from gestational day 1 to weaning on postnatal day (PND) 42. The number of murine pups and the male:female ratio was recorded for each group. On PND 42, the male pups were sacrificed and their wet weights and testicular coefficients were measured. Immunohistochemical and western blot analyses were used to detect the protein expression of β‑catenin and DKK‑1 in the testicular tissue samples of the six‑week‑old male mice. The results indicated that the number of murine pups, as well as the testicular viscera coefficient of the male mice, significantly decreased in the BPA‑treated groups, as compared with the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01); however, no significant difference was observed in the male/female ratio in the BPA‑treated groups, as compared with the control group (P>0.05). The results from the immunohistochemical and western blot analyses indicated that the protein expression of β‑catenin and DKK‑1 were significantly increased in the BPA‑treated groups, as compared with the control group, and the distribution of spermospore and Leydig cells also increased in the testes. These results suggest that high expression levels of β‑catenin and DKK‑1 may participate in BPA‑induced pathogenesis in male mouse reproductive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqi Fang
- Department of Urology, The Third People's Hospital in Hefei, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230022, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Xiaosi Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Xianbin Song
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
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Pillon D, Cadiou V, Angulo L, Duittoz AH. Maternal exposure to 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol alters embryonic development of GnRH-1 neurons in mouse. Brain Res 2012; 1433:29-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2011] [Revised: 11/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Frye CA, Bo E, Calamandrei G, Calzà L, Dessì-Fulgheri F, Fernández M, Fusani L, Kah O, Kajta M, Le Page Y, Patisaul HB, Venerosi A, Wojtowicz AK, Panzica GC. Endocrine disrupters: a review of some sources, effects, and mechanisms of actions on behaviour and neuroendocrine systems. J Neuroendocrinol 2012; 24:144-59. [PMID: 21951193 PMCID: PMC3245362 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02229.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 273] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Some environmental contaminants interact with hormones and may exert adverse consequences as a result of their actions as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Exposure in people is typically a result of contamination of the food chain, inhalation of contaminated house dust or occupational exposure. EDCs include pesticides and herbicides (such as dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane or its metabolites), methoxychlor, biocides, heat stabilisers and chemical catalysts (such as tributyltin), plastic contaminants (e.g. bisphenol A), pharmaceuticals (i.e. diethylstilbestrol; 17α-ethinylestradiol) or dietary components (such as phytoestrogens). The goal of this review is to address the sources, effects and actions of EDCs, with an emphasis on topics discussed at the International Congress on Steroids and the Nervous System. EDCs may alter reproductively-relevant or nonreproductive, sexually-dimorphic behaviours. In addition, EDCs may have significant effects on neurodevelopmental processes, influencing the morphology of sexually-dimorphic cerebral circuits. Exposure to EDCs is more dangerous if it occurs during specific 'critical periods' of life, such as intrauterine, perinatal, juvenile or puberty periods, when organisms are more sensitive to hormonal disruption, compared to other periods. However, exposure to EDCs in adulthood can also alter physiology. Several EDCs are xenoestrogens, which can alter serum lipid concentrations or metabolism enzymes that are necessary for converting cholesterol to steroid hormones. This can ultimately alter the production of oestradiol and/or other steroids. Finally, many EDCs may have actions via (or independent of) classic actions at cognate steroid receptors. EDCs may have effects through numerous other substrates, such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor and the retinoid X receptor, signal transduction pathways, calcium influx and/or neurotransmitter receptors. Thus, EDCs, from varied sources, may have organisational effects during development and/or activational effects in adulthood that influence sexually-dimorphic, reproductively-relevant processes or other functions, by mimicking, antagonising or altering steroidal actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Frye
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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11
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Yilmaz A, Tepeli C, Garip M, Caglayan T. The effects of incubation temperature on the sex of Japanese quail chicks. Poult Sci 2011; 90:2402-6. [PMID: 21934026 DOI: 10.3382/ps.2011-01471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of incubation temperature on the sex of Japanese quail chicks were investigated in this study. The study was conducted on Japanese quail. In all, 4500 eggs obtained from 2 generations were used. At the beginning of the study, a new flock was formed from available hatching eggs. Hatching eggs were gathered at 3 different ages (8 to 10 weeks, 16 to 18 weeks and 22 to 24 weeks of age) from the laying period in this flock. These eggs were exposed to 5 different incubation temperatures (36.7, 37.2, 37.7, 38.2, and 38.7°C). The hatching results were evaluated for each group. Chicks obtained from these temperature groups were reared separately to obtain quail for breeding. Eggs for incubation were gathered from these breeding quail when they were between 15 and 18 weeks of age. These eggs were placed in an incubator at a standard (37.7°C) temperature, separated by F(1)-generation temperature groups. The chicks in all groups were reared separately, and the sex of the chicks was determined at maturity. Statistical differences (P < 0.05) were found for the sex of the chicks in the third group (22 to 24 weeks) of the F(1) generation, compared with other groups. This result confirmed the hypothesis that different incubation temperatures for the first generation (at the embryo stage) might influence the sex of the next generation of chicks. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of incubation temperature on chicks from different perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Yilmaz
- Department of Animal Science, University of Selcuk, Selçuklu, Konya, Turkey.
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12
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Mattsson A, Olsson JA, Brunström B. Activation of estrogen receptor alpha disrupts differentiation of the reproductive organs in chicken embryos. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2011; 172:251-9. [PMID: 21420409 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2011.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2010] [Revised: 02/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/13/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Gonadal estrogen plays an important role in the differentiation of a female phenotype in birds. Exogenous compounds that interfere with estrogen signaling, for instance by binding to the estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ), are therefore potential disruptors of sexual differentiation in birds. The ERα agonist propyl-pyrazole-triol (PPT), the ERα antagonist methyl piperidino pyrazole (MPP) and the ERβ agonist diarylproprionitrile (DPN) were used in the present study to explore the roles of the ERs in normal and disrupted sex differentiation in the chicken embryo. Activation of ERα by PPT caused disturbed differentiation of the reproductive organs in both sexes. In male embryos, PPT caused left-side ovotestis formation and retention of the Müllerian ducts. In female embryos, PPT caused retention of the right Müllerian duct (which normally regresses) and malformation of both Müllerian ducts. PPT also induced hepatic expression of mRNA for the estrogen-regulated egg yolk protein apoVLDL II. Notably, none of these effects were observed following treatment with DPN. ERα-inactivation by MPP counteracted the action of PPT but had little effect by its own. Our results indicate that ERα plays an important role in sex differentiation of the reproductive tract in female chicken embryos and show that ERα can mediate xenoestrogen-induced disturbances of sex differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mattsson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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13
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Seredynski AL, Ball GF, Balthazart J, Charlier TD. Specific activation of estrogen receptor alpha and beta enhances male sexual behavior and neuroplasticity in male Japanese quail. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18627. [PMID: 21533185 PMCID: PMC3077394 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 03/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Two subtypes of estrogen receptors (ER), ERα and ERβ, have been identified in humans and numerous vertebrates, including the Japanese quail. We investigated in this species the specific role(s) of each receptor in the activation of male sexual behavior and the underlying estrogen-dependent neural plasticity. Castrated male Japanese quail received empty (CX) or testosterone-filled (T) implants or were daily injected with the ER general agonist diethylstilbestrol (DES), the ERα-specific agonist PPT, the ERβ-specific agonist DPN or the vehicle, propylene glycol. Three days after receiving the first treatment, subjects were alternatively tested for appetitive (rhythmic cloacal sphincter movements, RCSM) and consummatory aspects (copulatory behavior) of male sexual behavior. 24 hours after the last behavioral testing, brains were collected and analyzed for aromatase expression and vasotocinergic innervation in the medial preoptic nucleus. The expression of RCSM was activated by T and to a lesser extent by DES and PPT but not by the ERβagonist DPN. In parallel, T fully restored the complete sequence of copulation, DES was partially active and the specific activation of ERα or ERβ only resulted in a very low frequency of mount attempts in few subjects. T increased the volume of the medial preoptic nucleus as measured by the dense cluster of aromatase-immunoreactive cells and the density of the vasotocinergic innervation within this nucleus. DES had only a weak action on vasotocinergic fibers and the two specific ER agonists did not affect these neural responses. Simultaneous activation of both receptors or treatments with higher doses may be required to fully activate sexual behavior and the associated neurochemical events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore L. Seredynski
- Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gregory F. Ball
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Thierry D. Charlier
- Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, GIGA-Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- * E-mail:
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Panzica GC, Bo E, Martini MA, Miceli D, Mura E, Viglietti-Panzica C, Gotti S. Neuropeptides and enzymes are targets for the action of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the vertebrate brain. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2011; 14:449-72. [PMID: 21790321 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2011.578562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) are molecules that interfere with endocrine signaling pathways and produce adverse consequences on animal and human physiology, such as infertility or behavioral alterations. Some EDC act through binding to androgen or/and estrogen receptors primarily operating through a genomic mechanism regulating gene expression. This mechanism of action may induce profound developmental adverse effects, and the major targets of the EDC action are the gene products, i.e., mRNAs inducing the synthesis of various peptidic molecules, which include neuropeptides and enzymes related to neurotransmitters syntheses. Available immunohistochemical data on some of the systems that are affected by EDC in lower and higher vertebrates are detailed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C Panzica
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Forensic Medicine, Neuroscience Institute of Turin (NIT), University of Torino, Torino, Italy.
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15
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Mattsson A, Brunström B. Effects on differentiation of reproductive organs and sexual behaviour in Japanese quail by excessive embryonic ERalpha activation. Reprod Fertil Dev 2010; 22:416-25. [PMID: 20047727 DOI: 10.1071/rd08293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2008] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) embryos to oestrogenic substances disrupts sexual differentiation of the reproductive tract of both sexes and impairs the copulatory behaviour of the adult male. To examine whether these effects can be induced by selective activation of oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), Japanese quail eggs were injected with various doses of the selective ERalpha agonist 16alpha-lactone-oestradiol (16alpha-LE(2)). The natural oestrogen 17beta-oestradiol (E(2)) was used as a positive control. Both 16alpha-LE(2) and E(2) induced formation of an ovary-like cortex in the left testis (ovotestis) and reduced the size of the right testis in male embryos. The asymmetry in testis size remained in sexually mature males. Both substances induced retention and malformation of the Müllerian ducts in embryos of both sexes and malformed oviducts in juveniles. Male copulatory behaviour was suppressed by embryonic exposure to E(2) and the highest dose of 16alpha-LE(2). However, the lower dose of 16alpha-LE(2), which markedly affected development of the reproductive organs, was without effects on behaviour. It can therefore not be excluded that the behavioural demasculinisation at the 100-fold higher dose involved cross-activation of oestrogen receptor beta (ERbeta). In conclusion, our results suggest that oestrogen-induced disruption of reproductive organ development in Japanese quail can be mediated via ERalpha, whereas the role of ERalpha in demasculinisation of copulatory behaviour remains to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mattsson
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-75236 Uppsala, Sweden
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16
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Brunström B, Axelsson J, Mattsson A, Halldin K. Effects of estrogens on sex differentiation in Japanese quail and chicken. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2009; 163:97-103. [PMID: 19523394 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2008] [Revised: 12/12/2008] [Accepted: 01/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Estrogen production by the female avian embryo induces development of a female phenotype of the reproductive organs whereas the low estrogen concentration in the male embryo results in a male phenotype. Treatment of female embryos with exogenous estrogens disrupts Müllerian duct development resulting in malformations and impaired oviductal function. Exposure of male embryos to estrogens results in ovotestis formation and persisting Müllerian ducts in the embryos and testicular malformations, reduced semen production and partially developed oviducts in the adult bird. Furthermore, studies in Japanese quail show that the male copulatory behavior is impaired by embryonic estrogen treatment. Results from our experiments with selective agonists for ERalpha and ERbeta suggest that the effects of estrogens on the reproductive organs are mediated via activation of ERalpha. Abundant expression of ERalpha mRNA was shown in gonads and Müllerian ducts of early Japanese quail embryos. Both ERalpha and ERbeta transcripts were detected by real-time PCR in early embryo brains of Japanese quail indicating that both receptors may be involved in sex differentiation of the brain. However, in 9-day-old quail embryo brains in situ hybridization showed expression of ERbeta mRNA, but not of ERalpha mRNA, in the medial preoptic nucleus (POM) and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTm), areas implicated in copulatory behavior of adult male quail. Furthermore, embryonic treatment with the selective ERalpha agonist propyl pyrazol triol (PPT) had no effect on the male copulatory behavior. These results suggest that ERbeta may be important for the effects of estrogens on brain differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Brunström
- Department of Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, SE-75236 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Panzica GC, Mura E, Miceli D, Martini MA, Gotti S, Viglietti-Panzica C. Effects of Xenoestrogens on the Differentiation of Behaviorally Relevant Neural Circuits in Higher Vertebrates. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1163:271-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2008.03628.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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18
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Mura E, Barale C, Quinn MJ, Panzica G, Ottinger MA, Viglietti-Panzica C. Organizational effects of DDE on brain vasotocin system in male Japanese quail. Neurotoxicology 2009; 30:479-84. [PMID: 19442834 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2009.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 01/14/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
p,p'-DDE, or ethylene, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl), is the main metabolite of the pesticide DDT, or 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane. It is an androgen receptor antagonist and testosterone hydroxylase modulator that is also more persistent than its parent compound. In a previous study we demonstrated that embryonic exposure to different doses of p,p'-DDE accelerated onset of puberty in females and reduced male reproductive behavior. In the present study we investigated the long-term effects of the exposure to p,p'-DDE on the differentiation of male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) limbic circuits related to male copulatory behavior: the parvocellular vasotocin (VT) system. We observed a decrease in the density of VT-immunoreactive fibers within the medial preoptic nucleus, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and lateral septum in p,p'-DDE-treated birds, while no differences could be detected in the magnocellular neurons of the supraoptic nucleus. In particular the lowest dose of p,p'-DDE causes the highest decrease of VT immunoreactivity. This study provides further evidence for VT system sensitivity towards endocrine disrupting chemicals and demonstrates that the VT system may be an appropriate and sensitive biomarker for early p,p'-DDE exposure in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Mura
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, Dept. Anatomy, Pharmacology, and Forensic Medicine, Neuroscience Institute of Torino, University of Torino, Italy
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