Ken Takeda

Department of Hygiene-Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Science University of Tokyo
(12 Funagawara-machi, Ichigaya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0826 Japan)

Abstract

During fetal life the differentiation of the cells in reproductive systems is controlled by hormones and other intercellular signaling molecules. Therefore, exposure of fetuses to endocrine disrupting chemicals can lead to irreversible effects if the effect of these chemicals results in a change in the activity of sex hormones. We found that bisphenol A, orally administered to pregnant rats, quickly transfered to the fetuses through the blood-placenta barrier. Both Sertoli and Leydig cells play important roles in spermatogenesis. We are developing assay systems for evaluating the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on the function of both cells. In this article I would like to introduce our findings on the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals on testosterone synthesis and gene expression in Leydig cells.

Key words: endocrine disrupting chemicals, male reproductive system, blood-placenta barrier, Leydig cells, testosterone production, testosterone synthesizing enzymes