Maternal in utero exposure to the endocrine disruptor di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate affects the blood pressure of adult male offspring

D. B. Martinez-Arguelles, M. McIntosh, C. V. Rohlicek, M. Culty, B. R. Zirkin, V. Papadopoulos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

37 Scopus citations

Abstract

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is used industrially to add flexibility to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymers and is ubiquitously found in the environment, with evidence of prenatal, perinatal and early infant exposure in humans. In utero exposure to DEHP decreases circulating testosterone levels in the adult rat. In addition, DEHP reduces the expression of the angiotensin II receptors in the adrenal gland, resulting in decreased circulating aldosterone levels. The latter may have important effects on water and electrolyte balance as well as systemic arterial blood pressure. Therefore, we determined the effects of in utero exposure to DEHP on systemic arterial blood pressure in the young (2. month-old) and older (6.5. month-old) adult rats. Sprague-Dawley pregnant dams were exposed from gestational day 14 until birth to 300. mg DEHP/kg/day. Blood pressure, heart rate, and activity data were collected using an intra-aortal transmitter in the male offspring at postnatal day (PND) 60 and PND200. A low (0.01%) and high-salt (8%) diet was used to challenge the animals at PND200. In utero exposure to DEHP resulted in reduced activity at PND60. At PND200, systolic and diastolic systemic arterial pressures as well as activity were reduced in response to DEHP exposure. This is the first evidence showing that in utero exposure to DEHP has cardiovascular and behavioral effects in the adult male offspring.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)95-100
Number of pages6
JournalToxicology and Applied Pharmacology
Volume266
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2013

Keywords

  • Activity
  • Adrenal gland
  • Aldosterone
  • Phthalate
  • Systolic pressure

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Maternal in utero exposure to the endocrine disruptor di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate affects the blood pressure of adult male offspring'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this