Adverse effects of butyl benzyl phthalate on the reproductive and hematopoietic systems of male rats

Abstract

A 14-day dietary study was conducted in adult, male, Fischer 344 rats at levels of 0.0, 0.625, 1.25, 2.5 and 5.0% butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) to evaluate potential effects of this plasticizer on the male reproductive and hematopoietic systems. Total body, thymus, testis, epididymis, prostate and seminal vesicle weights were reduced in the 2.5% and 5% BBP dose groups, while pituitary weight was unaffected. Histological evaluations revealed dose-dependent atrophy of the testis, prostate and seminal vesicles at 2.5% and 5%, atrophy of the thymus and epididymis at 5%, and the presence of immature sperm cells in the tubular lumens and necrosis of the tubular epithelium in the epididymis at 2.5% and 5% BBP. Plasma testosterone concentration was decreased at 5%, while follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were increased at 2.5% and 5.0% BBP. The circulating components of blood, and clotting times (prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time), were unaffected although bone marrow cellularity was reduced at 2.5% and 5%. Changes in non-reproductive organs included enlargement of liver and kidneys, thymic atrophy and associated morphological abnormalities in these organs. These data indicate a direct toxic effect of BBP on the testis with secondary effects on other reproductive organs. Pituitary and hypothalamic responses did not appear to be affected. The reduced bone marrow cellularities suggest that prolonged exposures to BBP could affect circulating blood components or compromise clotting ability.