Toxicological Sciences 57, 292-301 (2000)
Copyright © 2000 by the Society of Toxicology
Reproductive and Developmental Toxicology |
Reduced Levels of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 in Rat Dams and Offspring after Exposure to a Reconstituted PCB Mixture
* Departments of Neurobehavioral Toxicology and
Analytical Chemistry, Medical Institute of Environmental Hygiene, Auf'm Hennekamp 50, D-404225 Düsseldorf, Germany
Previous studies revealed effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other polyhalogenated hydrocarbons on steroid hormone levels and hormone-dependent functions including behavior. In the present study serum concentrations of the vitamin D3 metabolites 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-D) and 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-D) were determined in rat dams and offspring after exposure to a PCB mixture that was reconstituted according to the congener pattern found in human breast milk. Unmated females were exposed to diets adulterated with 0; 5; 20; or 40 mg PCBs/kg diet. Exposure started 50 days prior to mating and was terminated at birth. Gestational exposure reduced serum concentrations of 1,25-D in dams in a dose-dependent manner. Concentration of 25-D was also decreased at the time of delivery, but not at weaning. Determination of 1,25-D in offspring at weaning revealed reductions in both high-exposure groups. Levels of 25-D were diminished only at the highest exposure level. Internal PCB concentrations in adipose tissue and brains exhibited a linear relation to dosages in diet. Concentrations of PCBs in brains were similar in dams and offspring at birth, but decreased at the end of lactation in dams. In offspring, values increased during this period because of continued exposure via the milk. In the adipose tissue, PCB levels were much lower in offspring than in dams. To our knowledge, this is the first report of PCB-induced effects on vitamin D3 metabolites. In dams, reductions were seen even at the lowest exposure level used. Further studies are needed to evaluate the biological significance of these reductions in pregnant dams and possible consequences for the developing offspring.
Key Words: polychlorinated biphenyls; vitamin D; development; steroids; rat.
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  N. Fletcher, N. Giese, C. Schmidt, N. Stern, P. M. Lind, M. Viluksela, J. T. Tuomisto, J. Tuomisto, H. Nau, and H. Hakansson Altered Retinoid Metabolism in Female Long-Evans and Han/Wistar Rats following Long-Term 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD)-Treatment Toxicol. Sci., August 1, 2005; 86(2): 264 - 272. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 D. Desaulniers, G. M. Cooke, K. Leingartner, K. Soumano, J. Cole, J. Yang, M. Wade, and A. Yagminas Effects of Postnatal Exposure to a Mixture of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, and p-p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene in Prepubertal and Adult Female Sprague-Dawley Rats International Journal of Toxicology, March 1, 2005; 24(2): 111 - 127. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Hamel, D. Mergler, L. Takser, L. Simoneau, and J. Lafond Effects of Low Concentrations of Organochlorine Compounds in Women on Calcium Transfer in Human Placental Syncytiotrophoblast Toxicol. Sci., November 1, 2003; 76(1): 182 - 189. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|