Effects of nonylphenol on endocrine regulation-associated gene expression profiles in whole brain of F1 generation male rats

In order to determine the effects of nonylphenol (NP) on endocrine regulation-associated gene expression profiles in whole brain of F1 generation rats, mRNA extracted from the brain of 2-day old F1 generation rats whose F0 male generation was treated with NP. The mRNA was then reversely transcribed to cDNA and labeled with cy5 and cy3 fluorescence. Subsequently, cDNA probes were hybridized to the Mouse40S cDNA microarray and the fluorescent signals of cy5 and cy3 were scanned and analyzed. Sixteen genes were identified which expressed differently, including 13 that were down-regulated in which 4 were related to brain regulation of endocrine function. Data suggest that NP mainly affects metabolism and synthesis of steroid hormone in various ways and disturbs the reproductive function of male rats when administered perinatally.