Zearalenone impairs the male reproductive system functions via inducing structural and functional alterations of sertoli cells.

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ZEA on the cytoskeletal structure, and factors specifically expressed by Sertoli cells. Primary Sertoli cells from rats aged 18–21 days were exposed to increasing ZEA concentrations (0, 5, 10, 20 μg mL −1 ) for 24 h. The results of immunofluorescence showed disruption of α-tubulin filaments and F-actin bundles, and damage to the nucleus of Sertoli cells on exposure to ZEA. In the control group, the protein level expression of androgen-binding protein (ABP), transferrin, vimentin, N-cadherin, and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) were decreased significantly ( p p ABP , transferrin , vimentin , N-cadherin , and FSHR varied significantly in the experimental group ( p p