Effects of Benzo(a)pyrene on mRNA Expression of Junction Protein Genes in Primary Cultured Sertoli Cells

[Objective] To investigate the effect of benzo(a)pyrene(BaP) on mRNA expression of junction protein genes in sertoli cells.[Methods] Sertoli cells were isolated from 21-day-old male rats and incubated at a density of 1.5×106 cells/mL.After incubation for 48 h,the sertoli cells were exposed to varied concentrations of BaP(0,1,10,50,and 100 μmol/L) for 12 h.Every group contained 6 samples.Cell viability,caspase-3 activity,and mRNA expression levels of junction protein genes were measured.[Results] The cell viability was significantly decreased by the BaP treatment at 50 μmol/L compared with the control group(P 0.01).The caspase-3 activity was increased and the mRNA expression levels of connexin 43,occludin,and ZO-1 were decreased after BaP exposure at 10 μmol/L compared with the control group(P 0.05).A down-regulated mRNA expression level of N-cadherin was observed after BaP administration at 100 μmol/L compared with control group(P 0.05).The mRNA expression levels of junction protein genes were changed along with the alteration of caspase-3 activity after caspase-3 inhibitor was added.[Conclusion] BaP exposure could decrease mRNA expression levels of junction protein genes in primary sertoli cells,in which an up-regulated caspase-3 activity by BaP interference may play an important role.