Perfluorotridecanoic Acid Inhibits Leydig Cell Maturation in Male Rats in Late Puberty via Changing Testicular Lipid Component.

Abstract

Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) is a long-chain (C13) perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid. Here, we report the influence of PFTrDA exposure on the maturation of rat Leydig cells in late puberty in vivo. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered PFTrDA by gavage of 0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg/day from 35 days to 56 days postpartum. PFTrDA had no effect on body weight, testis weight, and epididymis weight. It significantly decreased the serum testosterone level after 5 and 10 mg/kg exposure, while it did not alter the serum estradiol level. The serum luteinizing hormone level was markedly reduced after 10 mg/kg PFTrDA exposure, while the follicle-stimulating hormone level was unchanged. Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp17a1, Hsd3b1, and Insl3 transcript levels in the testis were markedly lowered in the 1-5 mg/kg PFTrDA group and the Lhb transcript level in the pituitary in the 10 mg/kg group. CYP11A1 and HSD11B1-positive Leydig cell numbers were markedly reduced after 10 mg/kg PFTrDA exposure. Testicular triglyceride and free fatty acid (palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid) levels were significantly reduced by PFTrDA, while Mgll (up-regulation) and Scarb1 and Elovl5 (down-regulation) expression were altered. AKT1 and AMPK phosphorylation was stimulated after 10 PFTrDA mg/kg exposure. In conclusion, PFTrDA delays the maturation of Leydig cells in late puberty mainly by altering the free fatty acid profile.

• Authors: Cheng Zou, Haoni Yan, Zina Wen, Changchang Li, Song Zhang, Yingfen Ying, Peipei Pan, Yang Li, Huitao Li, Xiaoheng Li, Yiyan Wang, Ying Zhong, Ren-Shan Ge, Dapang Rao
• Journal: Chemical research in toxicology (Chem Res Toxicol) Vol. 34 Issue 6 Pg. 1542-1555 (06 21 2021) ISSN: 1520-5010 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 34081457 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Decanoic Acids
• Fluorocarbons
• Lipids
• perfluorodecanoic acid

Topics

• Administration, Oral
• Animals
• Decanoic Acids (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Fluorocarbons (administration & dosage, pharmacology)
• Leydig Cells (drug effects)
• Lipids (analysis)
• Male
• Pituitary Gland (drug effects, pathology)
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley
• Testis (drug effects, pathology)