Lead reduces messenger RNA and protein levels of cytochrome P450 aromatase and estrogen receptor β in human ovarian granulosa cells

• Published in: Biology of reproduction 2003-06, Vol.68 (6), p.1982-1988
• Main Authors: TAUPEAU, Crystel, POUPON, Joël, TRETON, Dominique, BROSSE, Aurélie, RICHARD, Yolande, MACHELON, Véronique
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aromatase - biosynthesis; Biological and medical sciences; Blotting, Western; Cells, Cultured; Chemical and industrial products toxicology. Toxic occupational diseases; Depression, Chemical; DNA Primers; DNA, Complementary - biosynthesis; DNA, Complementary - genetics; Estrogen Receptor beta; Ethidium; Female; Fertilization in Vitro; Fluorescent Dyes; Granulosa Cells - drug effects; Granulosa Cells - metabolism; Humans; Lead - toxicity; Medical sciences; Metals and various inorganic compounds; Ovary - cytology; Ovary - drug effects; Ovary - metabolism; Receptors, Estrogen - biosynthesis; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; RNA, Messenger - biosynthesis; Toxicology
• ISSN: 0006-3363; 1529-7268
• DOI: 10.1043/0006-3363(2003)068(1982:LRMRAP)2.0.CO;2

Exposure to lead causes decreased fertility in women. In the present study, we examined the in vitro effects of lead on cytochrome p450 aromatase (p450 arom) and on estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta), two key proteins for the human ovary. Aromatase is required for the bioconversion of androgen to estradiol; ERbeta mediates estrogen effects in granulosa cells. Granulosa cells were collected from women undergoing in vitro fertilization and then cultured with 10 microM lead acetate. Using atomic absorption spectrometry, we showed that lead accumulated in cells. Aromatase activity as measured by a tritiated water production assay was significantly reduced. Using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting procedures, we showed that p450 arom and ERbeta mRNA and protein content were both significantly reduced. Adding 10 microg/ml of cycloheximide, a protein inhibitor, did not eliminate the effects of lead. The present results support the hypothesis that the action of lead on fertility in women may result, in part, from the down-regulation of p450 arom and ERbeta gene transcription in ovarian granulosa.