Testicular atrophy induced by phthalic acid monoesters: effects of zinc and testosterone concentrations.

Induction of testicular atrophy by monoesters of phthalic acid were compared in male Wistar rats. Dietary administration of monobutyl (MBP), mono-iso-butyl (MIBP) and mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) induced severe atrophy of the testes. Furthermore, high testosterone concentration in the testes was found in MBP- and MIBP-treated rats, whereas low zinc concentration was found in MBP-, MIBP- and MEHP-treated rats. On the other hand, in monooctyl phthalate (MOP)-treated rats, testosterone and zinc concentrations in the testes were not changed. These were similar to the results with their diesters.