Open AccessBenzo[a]pyrene impairs the migratory pattern of human gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-secreting neuroblasts
Author(s) -
Giulia Guarnieri,
Matteo Becatti,
Paolo Comeglio,
Linda Vignozzi,
Mario Maggi,
Gabriella Barbara Vannelli,
Annamaria Morelli
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european journal of histochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.754
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 2038-8306
pISSN - 1121-760X
DOI - 10.4081/ejh.2021.3282
Subject(s) - neuroblast , biology , gonadotropin releasing hormone , endocrine system , endocrinology , medicine , hormone , hypothalamus , neuron , microbiology and biotechnology , neuroscience , luteinizing hormone , neurogenesis
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a widespread pollutant that can act as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) and interferes with reproductive function. The central regulatory network of the reproductive system is mediated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which originate in the olfactory placode and, during ontogenesis, migrate into the hypothalamus. Given the importance of the migratory process for GnRH neuron maturation, we investigated the effect of BaP (10 µM for 24 h) on GnRH neuroblasts isolated from the human fetal olfactory epithelium (FNCB4). BaP exposure significantly reduced the mRNA level of genes implicated in FNCB4 cell migration and affected their migratory ability. Our findings demonstrate that BaP may interfere with the central neuronal network controlling human reproduction affecting GnRH neuron maturation.