Long-term reproductive effects of benzo(a)pyrene at environmentally relevant dose on juvenile female rats

Author(s)

Reis, Ana Carolina Casali ; Jorge, Barbara Campos ; Paschoalini, Beatriz Rizzo ; Bueno, Jessica Nogueira ; Stein, Julia ; Moreira, Suyane da Silva ; Manoel, Beatriz de Manoel ; Fernandes, Glaura Scantamburlo Alves ; Hisano, Hamilton ; Arena, Arielle Cristina

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: DRUG AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY; v. N/A, p. 9-pg., 2022-07-29.

Abstract

Since studies on the reproductive consequences after the exposure to environmentally relevant doses of Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) during critical stages of development are scarce, this study evaluated female reproductive parameters of adult rats exposed to a low dose of BaP during the juvenile phase. Female rats (Post-natal 21) were treated with BaP (0 or 0.1 mu g/kg/day; gavage) for 21 consecutive days. During the treatment, no clinical signs of toxicity were observed. Nevertheless, the ages of vaginal opening and first estrus were anticipated by the BaP-exposure. At the sexual maturity, the juvenile exposure compromised the sexual behavior, as well as the placental efficiency, follicle stimulating hormone levels, placenta histological analysis, and ovarian follicle count. A decrease in erythrocyte, platelet, and lymphocyte counts also was observed in the exposed-females. Moreover, the dose of BaP used in this study was not able to produce estrogenic activity in vivo. These data showed that juvenile BaP-exposure, at environmentally relevant dose, compromised the female reproductive system, possibly by an endocrine deregulation; however, this requires further investigation. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/22176-4 - Exposure to Benzo(a)pyrene in pubertal male: late repercussions on reproductive parameters in rats
• Grantee: Ana Carolina Casali Reis
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 19/03284-6 - Impact of paternal exposure to benzo(a)pirene from juvenile to peripubetal period in rats: multigenerational and transgenerational effects on reproductive parameters
• Grantee: Arielle Cristina Arena
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants