Reproduction Abstracts

Introduction: Neonatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) can impair reproductive physiology, but the specific mechanisms by which this occurs remain largely unknown. We aimed to study whether mRNA levels of Notch receptor and ligands are altered following BPA treatment during postnatal days.

Materials and methods: Neonatal rats were divided into two main groups as groups I and II according to treatment time intervals consisting of postnatal day (P)0–P3 and P4–P7. Each group was divided into further three subgroups as vehicle group, 50 μg/kg per day BPA group and 50 mg/kg per day BPA group. Group I received daily treatment from P0 to P3, whereas group II was given daily from P4 to P7. The animals were sacrified on P7 in all groups.

Results and Discussion: When compared with vehicle rats in group I, 50 mg/kg per day BPA treatment was found to suppress Notch-1, 2, and 3 and Jagged-2 gene expressions but enhanced Notch-4 and Jagged-1 gene expressions. Furthermore, 50 μg/kg per day BPA treatment increased the gene expression levels of all Notch receptors and their ligands. Compared to the vehicle rats in group II, although gene levels of Notch-1, 2 and 3, and Jagged-2 were elevated. Notch-4 and Jagged-1 gene expressions were decreased by 50 mg/kg per day BPA treatments. 50 μg/kg per day BPA treatment to neonatal pups at PND 4–7 was shown to reduce Notch-4, Jagged-1, and Jagged-2 gene expressions but increased Notch 1, 2, and 3 gene expression levels. It was concluded that neonatal exposure to BPA can affect the early ovary development by disrupting Notch signalling pathway. This research was supported by Tubitak (Tubitak 1110751).