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In utero and lactational exposure to PCB 118 and PCB 153 alter ovarian follicular dynamics and GnRH‐induced luteinizing hormone secretion in female lambs
Author(s) -
Kraugerud Marianne,
Aleksandersen Mona,
Nyengaard Jens Randel,
Østby Gunn C.,
Gutleb Arno C.,
Dahl Ellen,
Berg Vidar,
Farstad Wenche,
Schweder Tore,
Skaare Janneche U.,
Ropstad Erik
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
environmental toxicology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.813
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1522-7278
pISSN - 1520-4081
DOI - 10.1002/tox.20679
Subject(s) - luteinizing hormone , medicine , antral follicle , endocrinology , follicular phase , in utero , biology , ovarian follicle , offspring , gonadotropin , hormone , pregnancy , fetus , genetics
The effects of in utero and lactational exposure to two structurally different polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners on follicular dynamics and the pituitary‐gonadal axis in female lambs were investigated. Pregnant ewes received corn oil, PCB 118, or PCB 153, and offspring was maintained until 60 days postpartum. Ovarian follicles were quantified using stereology. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured using radioimmunoassay before and after administration of a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analog. PCB 118 exposure increased numbers of transitional, secondary, and the sum of secondary, early antral, and antral (Σsecondary‐antral) follicles, PCB 153 exposure only increased the number of primary follicles. GnRH‐induced LH levels were significantly elevated in the PCB 153 exposure group. We conclude that PCB 153 and PCB 118 alter follicular dynamics in lambs and modulate the responsiveness of the pituitary gland to GnRH. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2011.