Abstract
Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most common plasticizer for plastics such as polyvinyl chloride. However, recent studies have demonstrated toxic effects of DEHP on the testes and liver in rodents. In this study, the effects of nicotinic acid on the testicular toxicity of DEHP and metal concentrations in the atrophic testes were examined in 4-week-old SD rats. The rats were fed a diet containing 1% (w/w) DEHP and water supplemented with 0.5% (w/w) nicotinic acid for a week. In rats given the DEHP diet, testicular atrophy accompanied by aspermatogenesis developed. By co-administration of nicotinic acid, testicular atrophy by DEHP was definitely inhibited. However, hypertrophy in the liver was not prevented. In the atrophic testes, zinc was slightly decreased, while iron, copper and calcium were higher than those in normal testes. Strong negative correlations were found between testicular weight and testicular iron, copper, and calcium concentrations.
