Exposure to toxicologically relevant atrazine concentrations impair the glycolytic function of mouse Sertoli cells through the downregulation of lactate dehydrogenase

Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2024 Apr 10:116929. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116929. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTAtrazine (ATZ), a widely used herbicide with potent endocrine-disrupting properties, has been implicated in hormonal disturbances and fertility issues. Sertoli cells (SCs) play a crucial role in providing mechanical and nutritional support of spermatogenesis. Herein, we aimed to study the effects of environmentally relevant ATZ concentrations on the nutritional support of spermatogenesis provided by SCs. For that, mouse SCs (TM4) were exposed to increasing ATZ concentrations (in μg/L: 0.3, 3, 30, 300, or 3000). After 24 h, cellular proliferation and metabolic activity were assessed. Mitochondrial activity and endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated using JC-1 and CM-H2DCFDA probes, respectively. We also analyzed protein levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) using Western Blot and the cells in vivo glycolytic function through Seahorse XF Glycolysis Stress Test Kit. ATZ exposure decreased the activity of oxidoreductases in SCs, suggesting a decreased metabolic activity. Although ATZ is reported to induce oxidative stress, we did not observe alterations in mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS production across all tested concentrations. When we evaluated the glycolytic function of SCs, we observed that ATZ significantly impaired glycolysis and the glycolytic capacity at all tested concentrations. These results were supported by the decreased ...
Source: Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology - Category: Toxicology Authors: Source Type: research