Analysis of ovarian gene expression in F2 mouse following perinatal exposure to DEHP via the parenteral route

The aim of this study is analyze the gene expression of the F2 mouse in comparison with the control mouse after exposure of F0 mouse to Di-ethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) via the parenteral route during the perinatal period. For this purpose, pregnant F0 mice were injected subcutaneously with corn oil (control group, n=3) or DEHP (treatment group, 30 μg/kg/day, n=3) during pregnancy and lactation. No further treatment was given after weaning of F1 mice. F1 mice were mated and delivered. Six F2 female mice from each group were randomly selected and total RNA was extracted from the ovaries. Microarrays were used to identify the genes and pathways affected by DEHP exposure. As a result, genes related with certain gynecological diseases showed significant changes in expressions. Genes, which were involved in MAPK signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, cell cycle, and oocyte maturation, showed significant changes in expression, too.