OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of DEHP exposure on the growth and development of mouse placenta, the number of uNK cells at the maternal-fetal interface and angiogenesis through exposure to bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) during pregnancy.
Methods: From the first day of pregnancy, through the in vitro forced gastric gavage method, different doses of DEHP 125, 250, 500 mg·kg-1·d-1 were given, and the uterus and placenta specimens were taken and weighed on the 13th day of pregnancy , By HE staining and immunohistochemical methods, observe its effect on mouse placenta growth and development, maternal-fetal interface uNK cell number and blood vessel formation.
Results: (1) Compared with the control group, low-dose DEHP125, 250 mg·kg-1·d-1 had no significant effect on the number of embryo implantation (P>0.05). However, 500 mg·kg-1·d-1 DEHP in the high-dose group significantly reduced the number of embryo implantation (P<0.05). In addition, DEHP exposure can significantly increase the rate of fetal miscarriage; (2) Compared with the control group (0.0786±0.0143 g), DEHP decreased the weight of the placenta in a dose-dependent manner of 125, 250, and 500 mg·kg-1·d-1 (Respectively: 0.0637±0.0133, 0.0587±0.0176, 0.0524±0.0183 g; P<0.01), and significantly reduced the total area of the placenta and the area of trophoblast cells in the sponge layer; (3) Compared with the control group, DEHP exposure will Leading to a significant decrease in the number of fetal blood vessel branches, vascular collapse and atresia; (4) Compared with the control group (105.1±14.2/HP), DEHP exposure inhibited the number of uNK cells in a dose-dependent manner (respectively: 83.2±10.3, 60.7± 12.4, 50.4±14.5/HP; P<0.01).
Conclusion: DEHP exposure during pregnancy can significantly inhibit the growth and development of the placenta, which may be by affecting the formation of blood vessels at the maternal-fetal interface and the number of uNK cells.