Influence of 4-hydroxylated polychlorinated biphenyls on the secretory function of bovine ovarian cells: role of the steroidogenic factor-1 receptor

The hydroxy-derivatives (OHPCBs) of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) can accumulate in the tissues of the reproductive tract in animals and humans and may still have estrogen-like properties. Moreover, the "orphan" nuclear receptor Steroidogenic Factor-1 (SF-1) can be the target of PCBs. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect 4OH4CB and 4OH3CB on the secretion of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and oxytocin (OT) from granulosa cells of follicles <1cm and >1cm in diameter and from luteal cells collected at four stages of the estrous cycle of cows. Furthermore, the possibility that 4OHPCBs have an effect on OT synthesis and secretion via the SF receptor was studied using receptor blocker (F0160). Used OHPCBs increased the secretion of P4 from the granulosa cells of follicles of both sizes and increased the secretion of OT from follicles with a diameter of >1cm. These increases were inhibited by an SF-1 receptor blocker. In luteal cells, 4OH3CB increased the secretion of P4 and OT from luteal cells at all phases of the estrous cycle, while 4OH4CB increased OT secretion during the first half of the estrous cycle. Concomitant with the increase in OT secretion from the cells, an increase in the expression of OT precursor mRNA (NP-I/OT) was observed. This effect was inhibited by SF-1 receptor blocker. These results indicate that 4OHPCBs impair the secretory function of ovarian steroidogenic cells by disrupting steroidogenesis and increasing OT secretion, and the receptor SF-1 appears to be essentially involved in these processes.