Induction of hypospadias in a murine model by maternal exposure to synthetic estrogens

Kim K., Torres C., YÜCEL S., Raimondo K., Cunha G., Baskin L.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH, vol.94, no.3, pp.267-275, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 94 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/s0013-9351(03)00085-9
  • Journal Name: ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.267-275
  • Keywords: hypospadias, endocrine disrupters, estrogen, murine model, genital anomalies, BIRTH-DEFECTS, REPRODUCTIVE-TRACT, ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS, TESTICULAR CANCER, DIETHYLSTILBESTROL, FARMERS, ABNORMALITIES, ANOMALIES, WILDLIFE, RISK
  • Marmara University Affiliated: No

Abstract

We tested the hypothesis that maternal exposure to synthetic estrogen can cause hypospadias in male offspring and defined the morphological changes in the disrupted urethral seam. Timed pregnant C57/6 mice were exposed to synthetic estrogens. The genital tubercles were examined for the presence of hypospadias using histology, three-dimensional computer reconstruction, and plastic cast injection molds of the urethra. Microscopic serial analysis confirmed the presence of hypospadias, which occurred in similar to50% of the synthetic-estrogen-treated male fetuses. No effect was seen in the female embryos. Plastic cast injection showed that affected males had a shorter total urethral length and loss of male anatomic features such as the prostatic utricle. Exposure to synthetic estrogens during pregnancy affects the normal development of the urethra in the mouse. We conclude that endocrine disrupters play an important role in genital tubercle anomalies. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.