[Effects of bisphenol A on voltage-dependent T-type calcium channels in mouse testis and epididymis, and the role of estrogen receptors].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the possible effects of bisphenol A (BPA) on voltage-dependent T-type calcium channels in mouse testis and epididymis, the role of the two ERs was also investigated.

METHODS

Adult male wild type (WT), ERs knock out mice (αERKO and βERKO) were randomly divided into control and BPA [100 μg/(kg. d) for 30 days via intragastric administration] treatment groups. Quantitative real time PCR was used to examine Cav3.1, Cav3.2 and Cav3.3 genes of the testis and epididymis.

RESULTS

In the testis, the mRNA expression of Cav3.1, Cav3.2 and Cav3.3 were increased in BPA-treated animals. In the epididymis, the mRNA expression of Cav3. 1 and Cav3.2 were increased, however, Cav3.3 were decreased in BPA-treated animals. BPA up-regulation of Cav3.1 and Cav3.2 mRNA expression of the epididymis were dependent on both ERα and ERβ, whereas BPA regulation of Cav 3.1 - Cav3.3 of the testis and Cav3.3 of the epididymis appeared to be dependent on ERβ only.

CONCLUSION

It suggested that the ERs signalling was necessary for the regulation of the Cav3 channels mRNA expression by BPA, which could affect the male reproductive function.