Sex-specific Changes in Brain Estrogen Metabolism Induced by Acute Trimethyltin Exposure

Abstract

Background/aim: In this study, we investigated sex-specific effects of acute exposure to trimethyltin, a known neurotoxicant on metabolic steroids.

Materials and methods: We administered intraperitoneally 2.3 mg/kg trimethyltin to 4-week-old male mice and measured the levels of metabolic steroids 24 h after treatment. We also measured mRNA and protein levels of cytochrome P450 1B1 using real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.

Results: Cortisol levels in the cortex increased in both sexes following acute trimethyltin exposure. The estradiol levels decreased, and the 4-hydroxyestradiol levels increased only in females. We also observed increased cytochrome P450 1B1 mRNA and protein levels only in the female cortex.

Conclusion: Acute trimethyltin exposure induces distinct sex-specific metabolic changes in the brain before significant sexual maturation.

Keywords: Trimethyltin; estrogen; mitochondria; sex difference.