Effects of Vitamin Supplementation on PCB (Aroclor 1254)‐Induced Changes in Ventral Prostatic Androgen and Estrogen Receptors

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) Aroclor 1254 and vitamin C and E on ventral prostatic testosterone and estradiol receptor concentration. A group of 30 rats were treated with Aroclor 1254 [2 mg/kg body weight (bwt) /day/ip] for 30 days; 10 rats were treated as Aroclor 1254 control. The remaining 20 rats were subdivided into the following two subgroups of 10 animals each. One group was given vitamin C (500 mg/kg bwt/day/oral) for 10 days, whereas the other group was given vitamin E (50 mg/kg bwt/day/oral) for 10 days. Separate controls were also maintained. Ventral prostatic androgen and estrogen receptor concentration in all the groups were quantified. Serum hormonal profiles such as total T₃, T₄, TSH, testosterone, and estradiol were also estimated in all the groups. Ventral prostatic zinc content and serum zinc concentration were also determined in all the groups. Aroclor 1254 exposure decreased the concentration of both receptors. Decreased serum total T₃, T₄, testosterone, estradiol, and increased TSH were observed after Aroclor 1254 exposure. Serum and tissue zinc levels were also decreased. Administration of vitamin C or E restored both the receptor concentration and the serum hormone levels with the exception of estradiol. Administration of vitamin C or E restored zinc levels. Vitamin E was more sensitive on ventral prostatic androgen receptors and zinc levels, including serum, in PCB‐exposed rats.

Acknowledgments

The authors want to thank the Director, National Metallurgical Laboratory, CSIR Madras complex, Taramani, Chennai, India, for the provision of atomic absorption spectroscopy in zinc estimation. The financial assistance to one of the authors, M.R. Vijaybabu, by University of Madras, Chennai, is greatly acknowledged.