Effects of maternal exposure to 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) or 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB169) on testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in male offspring rats.

On days 7-21 of gestation, Sprague-Dawley rats were orally administered 3 or 30 mug/kg/d of 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) or 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB169) daily. Their male offspring were autopsied at 3, 6, and 15 weeks after birth to investigate the effects of the 2 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis in their testes. PCB treatment caused a decrease in the area ratio of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD)-expressing cells (Leydig cells)/testis at 3 weeks after birth.