In utero exposure to the endocrine disruptor di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate targets ovarian theca cells and steroidogenesis in the adult female rat.

Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is an endocrine disruptor used in industry as an additive to polyvinyl chloride-based products. Pregnant dams were gavaged with oil, 1, 20, 50, or 300mg of DEHP/kg/day from gestational day 14 until birth in order to characterize the effects of DEHP in the adult female offspring. In utero exposure to DEHP resulted in reduced estrogen levels at proestrus.