Toxicity of phthalates on Sertoli cells of rat testis

AIM To study whether the tight junctions of Sertoli cells may serve as a biomarker of phthalate effects. METHODS Based on the two-compartment primary Sertoli cells culture model, the effects of phthalates on the tight junctions of Sertoli cells were studied by the methods of light microscope, transmission electron microscope, transepithelial electrical resistance assay and immunofluorescence localization. RESULTSAfter being treated with phthalates, the damage of Sertoli cells included the destroyed cell monolayer, the loss of ridge line, the decline of transepithelial electrical resistance and the decreased expression of tight junction related proteins, such as ZO-1, F-actin and occludin. The toxicity of mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate on Sertoli cell was higher than that of mono-n-butyl phthalate at the same dose. CONCLUSION Phthalates can destroy the tight junctions of Sertoli cells. Transepithelial electrical resistance can be a sensitive biomarker of phthalate effects on rat testis.