Effect of mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) on proliferation of and steroid hormone synthesis in rat ovarian granulosa cells in vitro.

This study aimed to examine the proliferation of and secretion by rat ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) treated with mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP). Ovarian GCs were incubated with MEHP at concentration of 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µM for 24 hr. Cell viability was determined using the MTT Cell Proliferation Assay. Progesterone and estradiol production was evaluated by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and the expression of FSHR, PR, and ER was measured by immunocytochemistry. StAR, P450scc, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD, and P450 arom mRNA levels were determined by RT-PCR. MEHP markedly attenuated proliferation of GCs, increased expression of sex hormone receptors and key enzymes in progesterone production, and stimulated steroid hormone secretion. The result of these analyses demonstrates that MEHP exposure of GCs may have effects on rat ovarian functions.