Effects of pubertal exposure to low doses of di-(2-ethylexyl)phthalate on reproductive behaviors in male mice

Reproductive behaviors are tightly regulated by sex steroid hormones. Interference with these hormones or their neural signaling pathways leads to behavioral alterations. We have previously shown that oral exposure of adult male mice di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an organic environmental endocrine disruptor, altered sexual behavior. In this study, we examined the effects pubertal DEHP and analyzed whether exposures trigger long-term effects. For exposure, were exposed orally vehicle at 5 50 ?g/kg/d from postnatal day (PND) 30 PND60. Exposure was arrested animals on PND120. They exhibited normal olfactory preference but showed modified emission ultrasonic vocalizations. also affected partner mating components. These modifications associated circulating testosterone levels weight androgen-sensitive tissues. contrast, androgen receptor (AR) protein amount reduced in hypothalamic preoptic area particular for DEHP-50 group. Pubertal increased anxiety-state level without changing circadian activity. When same doses PND60 PND105 two months later, no treatment reproductive anxiety-related AR seen. Our data show induces changes contrast exposure. This highlights sensitivity nervous system low during critical period puberty.