Effects of in vitro cadmium exposure on ovarian steroidogenesis in rats

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the direct effect(s) of in vitro cadmium (Cd) exposure on steroidogenesis in rat ovaries during different reproductive states. Sprague-Dawley rats were killed on the day of proestrus, or on gestation day 6 or 16. Ovaries were removed, placed in medium and minced. Culture from each ovary was incubated with Cd 2+ ions in concentrations of 0, 100, 500, 1000, 1500, or 2000 M. One-hour whole-ovary production of progesterone (P 4 ), testosterone and estradiol (E 2 ) in culture medium was evaluated in the absence and presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or hCG plus pregnenolone by specific radioimmunoassay. Under in vitro Cd exposure the most affected were productions of P 4 and testosterone in proestrus rats and less in pregnant dams, whereas E 2 was not affected at all. Cadmium appears to interfere with the ovarian steroidogenic pathway in rats at more than one site.

Urinary Cadmium and Serum Levels of Estrogens and Androgens in Postmenopausal Japanese Women

“…Cadmium-induced ovarian toxicity such as hemorrhagic necrosis and endothelial damage in the vessels has been reported in rats (19). In some animal studies, serum estradiol was measured as an indicator of ovarian damage in rats (20)(21)(22). A cadmium injection affected pregnancy estrogen in rats (21).…”

“…A cadmium injection affected pregnancy estrogen in rats (21). Under in vitro cadmium exposure, testosterone, but not estradiol, was affected in proestrus rats (22). There is little epidemiologic information on the potential effects of cadmium exposure on the endocrine system in women.…”

Cadmium up-regulates transcription of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) gene through phosphorylated CREB rather than SF-1 in K28 cells

“…It was shown that cadmium interfered with normal gonadal function, as a significant reduction was observed in hormonal levels in vivo (Piasek and Laskey, 1994;Paksy et al, 1997;Piasek et al, 2002;Sen Gupta et al, 2004a) as well as in vitro (Mgbonyebi et al, 1998;Piasek and Laskey, 1999;Piasek et al, 2002). Cadmium has also been shown to stimulate the synthesis of ovarian luteal progesterone at low doses; however, at high doses, the synthesis was inhibited (Henson and Chedrese, 2004).…”

Use of green tea polyphenols in ameliorates cadmiumsulfate toxic effectson Wisterrat' s female reproductive system

“…Different studies have shown that cadmium affects plasma gonadotropin level (29). (30),reported that lead and cadmium are known as reproductive toxins, which accumulate in granulose cells of the ovary and cause a significant reduction in gonadotropin binding which altered steroidogenic enzyme activity of these cells .Also some studies indicated that cadmium may interfere directly with hormone production in steroid producing ovary cells (31).Also saw cadmium has deteriorating effects on the reproduction of women who live near the polluted area (32).Cadmium also directly cause destruction to the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (33).In this study cadmium sulfate ,inhibition of the serum hormonal levels of FSH and LH and causes damage in tissues of ovary and uterus ,all these changes may be returned to role of cadmium sulfate to release of free oxygen radicals that causes destruction of ovary and uterus tissues that is lead to decrease of FSH and LH hormones in serum or via directly effect of cadmium sulfate on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.…”