目的探讨双酚A(BPA)对雄性小鼠生殖系统的影响及雌激素受体(ERs)的作用特点。方法野生型(WT)、雌激素受体基因敲除(αERKO和βERKO)小鼠随机分为对照组和BPA组100μg/(kg·d),连续经口灌胃染毒30d后,观察小鼠睾丸和附睾脏器系数、精子畸形率以及睾丸组织形态学变化。荧光定量PCR法检测睾丸和附睾中ERsmRNA表达的变化。结果BPA使wT雄性小鼠附睾脏器系数降低,精子畸形率升高,睾丸组织形态学观察,发现有病理变化。当BPA作用于αERKO和βERKO小鼠后,附睾脏器系数也降低,精子畸形率也升高,睾丸组织形态学也出现病变。荧光定量PCR实验发现BPA可使睾丸和附睾中ERdmRNA表达降低、睾丸中ERBmRNA表达降低。结论BPA能够对雄性生殖系统产生毒性作用,ERa和ERB在此过程中可能起了重要作用,这为BPA等环境雌激素毒性机制提供了依据。
Objective To explore the possible effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on the reproductive system of male mice, the role of the two ERs was also investigated. Methods Adult male wild type (WT), ERs knock out mice (αERKO and βERKO) were randomly divided into control and BPA treatment groups. The testis and epididymis wet weights, the sperm abnormality rate and the histology of the testis were determined. Quantitative real time PCR was used to examine ERaand ERβ genes of the testis and epididymis. Results BPA at a dose of 100 μg/(kg·d) for 30 days via intragastric administration significantly decreased the epididymis weights, and increased the sperm abnormality rate, the histology of the testis showed unnormal. Similar to WT mice, the epididymis weights were decreased, the sperm abnormality rate was increased, and the histology of the testis showed unnormal in aERKO and ~ERKO mice after BPA treatment. Using real-time PCR, we observed that mRNA expressions of ERα and ERβ were significantly changed in the testis and epididymis in BPA-treated animals. Conclusion Our results suggested that BPA may affect the male reproductive function, ERα and ERβ may play an important role.