Objective To investigate the mechanism of p,p'-DDE-induced apoptosis of Sertoli cells and the role of reactive oxygen species.
Methods Sertoli cells from testes of rats were treated with 0, 10, 30, and 50 μmol/L p,p'-DDE, or with 50 μmol/L p,p'-DDE pretreated by 300 μmolFL NAC (N-acetyl-L-cysteine). Then the fluoresence intensity of reactive oxygen species(ROS), mitochondria membrane potential(△ψm)and apoptosis percentage was detected by a FACS Calibur flow cytometer.
Results 50 μmol/L p,p'-DDE increased the ROS level. The mitochondria membrane potential was decreased after all p,p'-DDE's treatments. The percentage of apoptosis was increased after treatment with 30 or 50 μmol/L p,p'-DDE. Compared with the control group, the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). The antioxidant NAC inhibited the increased ROS generation, decreased the mitochondria membrane potential and apoptosis percentage (P<0.05).
Conclusion p,p'-DDE could induce apoptosis in Sertoli cells. The generation of ROS may be an important reason in the apoptosis.
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