Effects of Estrone Sulfate Administration on Reproductive Functions in Male Japanese Quail

Abstract

Estrone sulfate (E1S) is predominantly present in the maternal circulation of pregnant animals and is excreted into the feces and urine. Hence, it is estimated that E1S is partly present in the environment, which may be discharged from farms. The present study was undertaken to examine whether E1S affected the endocrine function in animals. Male Japanese quails were intramuscularly treated 1mg of E1S everyday for 4 days. Blood samples were obtained just before the treatment and at the 4 days after the onset of treatment to measure the concentrations of testosterone, E1S and triacylglyceride. Apoptotic cell death was detected in the paraffin sections of testis. The weight of testis was significantly reduced in the E1S treated groups compared with that of untreated group. Treatment of E1S to the quail significantly increased plasma E1S and triacylglyceride concentrations and significantly reduced plasma testosterone concentration. Some Sertoli cells in the E1S treated group showed apoptotic cell death, whereas there is few apoptotic cells in the untreated group. These results indicate that E1S has ability to induce apoptosis in the testicular cells and reduction of testicular weight and testosterone concentration, possibly due to the unconjugation of E1S. It is also suggested that E1S may be one of risk factors for endocrine disrupter in wild life.