EFFECT OF PCBS ON ANDROGEN PRODUCTION BY SUSPENSION OF ADULT-RAT LEYDIG-CELLS IN-VITRO

The effects of PCBs (mixture of 2, 3, 4, 5-tetra; 2, 2', 4, 5, 5'-pent a; 2, 2', 3, 3', 6, 6'-hexa and 2, 2', 3, 3', 4, 4', 5, 5'-octa congen ers) on androgen production were investigated by suspension of Leydig cells from adult rat testis. hCG-stimulated androgen production was si gnificantly inhibited by PCBs while progesterone level was not affecte d. Progesterone supported testosterone production was also decreased b y PCBs, while conversion of androstenedione to testosterone was unchan ged. These results suggest that the activity of microsomal enzyme C21 side-chain cleveage P450 was decreased by PCB treatment of Leydig cell s in vitro.