Lactational exposure to DEHP induced adrenocortical hypertrophy and anxiety‐like behavior in rats

Abstract

Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐phthalate (DEHP), a toxic agent leached from plastic products, may act as an endocrine disruptor affecting the development and function of reproductive system. However, there is no study revealing the effect of DEHP exposure on the function of adrenal gland. Stress coping is the main function of adrenal gland, therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore whether adrenocortical development and stress coping ability may be impaired by neonatal exposure to DEHP. Sprague‐Dawley female rats were orally fed with DEHP (10 mg/kg/day) or corn oil everyday during lactational period. After weaning (postnatal day 22), pups were divided into 2 groups: control and DEHP. At the age of 3 and 8 weeks, rats were exposed to the elevated plus maze for assessment of anxiety‐like behaviors. After behavioral assessment, rats were sacrificed and their adrenal glands were dissected for histological observation. The results from histological observation show that the thicknesses of zona fasciculata were increased significantly in DEHP group, indicating that neonatal DEHP exposure may induce adrenocortical hypertrophy. In addition, decreased open‐arm navigations in elevated plus maze in DEHP group indicates the expression of anxiety‐like behaviors. In summary, the results demonstrate that neonatal exposure to DEHP may disrupt the development of adrenal glands and stress coping ability in puberty rats.