Introduction: It is well known that exposure to estrogenic compounds during critical and sensitive periods of lifespan could result in adverse effects on the development and function of reproductive system. In the present study, we examined the effects of neonatal mycoestrogens Zearalenone (Zen) and alpha-zearalenol (α-Zol) exposure on the onset of puberty and reproductive parameters such as estrous cycle and ovarian follicle pool in female mice.

Materials & methods: Pups were injected subcutaneously at postnatal days (PND) 1-5 with sesame oil, estradiol benzoate (EB, 20µg/kg bw), Zen (0.2, 1, 2mg/kg bw) and alpha-Zol(0.2, 1, 2mg/kg bw). The control group received no treatment. Vaginal opening and estrous cycle were monitored from PND 23 to 70. Animals were sacrificed at PND 70, and blood and ovary were collected.

Finding: Advanced vaginal opening, disrupted estrous cycles and decreased follicular pool were significantly observed in EB, 1 and 2 Zen and 1 and 2 α-Zol. Also, LH and estradiol levels impaired.

Discussion & conclusions: Neonatal exposure to mycoestrogens accelerated the onset of puberty but decreased reproductive parameters in female mice. These alterations could result from disruption anywhere within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadalaxis in particular estrogen-sensitive neuronal populations of hypothalamus.