Gestational vinclozolin exposure suppresses fetal Leydig cell development in rats

Abstract Background: Vinclozolin is not only a common dicarboximide fungicide used to protect crops against diseases but also an endocrine disruptor. This study aimed to investigate the effects of gestational vinclozolin exposure on the development of rat fetal Leydig cells. Methods: Female pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to vinclozolin (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) by oral gavage from gestational day 14 to 21. Results: Vinclozolin dose-dependently depressed serum testosterone levels at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg and anogenital distance at 100 mg/kg. RNA-seq, qPCR, and Western blot showed that vinclozolin down-regulated the expression of Nr5a1 , Sox9 , Lhcgr , Cyp11a1 , Hsd3b1 , Hsd17b3 , Amh , Pdgfa , and Dhh and their encoded proteins. Vinclozolin depressed NR2F2-positive stem Leydig cell number at a dose of 100 mg/kg and also enhanced autophagy in the testis. Conclusion: Vinclozolin disrupts fetal Leydig cell development via several pathways.