Abstract

Atrazine (ATR) alters female reproductive functions in different animal species. Here, we analyzed whether ATR disturbs steroidogenic and ovulatory processes in hormone-stimulated human cumulus granulosa cells and mechanism of its action. Results showed that treatment of human cumulus granulosa cells with 20 μM ATR for 48 h resulted in lower FSH-stimulated estradiol and progesterone production. ATR reduced mRNA levels of aromatase (CYP19A1), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR). Addition of hCG 48 h after FSH and ATR treatment did not trigger maximal expression of the ovulatory genes amphiregulin (AREG) and epiregulin (EREG). Mechanistic experiments showed that ATR activated cPDE and decreased cAMP level. Addition of total PDE and specific PDE4 inhibitors, IBMX and rolipram, prevented ATR's action on CYP19A1 and STAR mRNA expression in FSH-stimulated human cumulus granulosa cells. This study suggests that ATR alters steroidogenesis and ovulatory process in human cumulus granulosa cells jeopardizing female reproduction.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.