Study of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate on two generation male rat's reproductive toxicity

Objective:To evaluate the toxicity of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate(DEHP) on reproduction in two generation male rats.Methods:The first generation(F0) male and female Sprague-Dawley(SD) rats in five weeks age were exposed to DEHP by subcutaneous injection for that the female rats were pregnant.The DEHP doses were 50 mg/(kg.d),250 mg/(kg.d) and 500 mg/(kg.d),respectively.The second generation(F1) male and female SD rats from the fourth week age were exposed to DEHP with the same dosages as F0.It was observed the changes of clinical signs,body weight,hormone,organ quotient,sexual behaviour and fertility and the pathological examination at the selected endpoints in parental rats.It was observed the changes of clinical signs,body weight,anogenital distance,eye open time and brain weight at the selected endpoints in offspring rats.Results:Compared with the control group,the body weight growth was inhibited in both F0 and F1 parental rats and the consumption of food decreased in F1 parental rats.In F1 parental rats,the birth index and survival numbers decreased significantly in high dose group,the mating time reduced in middle dose group;the sperm activity and counting decreased and the serum testosterone concentration increased in high dose group;the levels of other hormones in middle and low groups were similar to those of the control.F0 parental rats had similar organ quotient to that of the control,but the testis quotient decreased and the prostate and liver quotient increased in F1 parental rats in the high dose group.The seminiferous epithelium was seriously hurted,spermatogenic cell was atrophy,seminiferous tubules decreased or disappeared,while prostate gland had gland cell proliferation,gland cavity enlarged in all groups of F0 and F1 parental rats.After birth one week,the body weight of F1 and F2 offspring rats was inhibited and brain quotient increased in high dose group.The anogenital distance was short in the high dose group.Conclusion:DEHP has reproductive toxicity on male rats and the toxicity can be accumulated,which potentiates the next generation more easily to be affected.