Assessment of the Effects of Chemicals on the Expression of Ten Steroidogenic Genes in the H295R Cell Line Using Real-Time PCR

• DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfh191
• Publication Date: 2004-06-15T14:08:54Z
• Authors: K. Hilscherova
• Keywords: Steroid biosynthesis; Xenobiotic; Steroid hormone

The potential for a variety of environmental contaminants to disturb endocrine function in wildlife and humans has been recent concern. While much effort is being focused on the assessment effects mediated through steroid hormone receptor–based mechanisms, there are potentially several other mechanisms that could lead disruption. Recent studies have demonstrated xenobiotics can alter gene expression or activity enzymes involved steroidogenesis. By altering production catalytic steroidogenic steroid-catabolizing enzymes, these chemicals balance organisms. To assess steroidogenesis, an assay system was developed using human adrenocortical carcinoma cell line, H295R which retains ability synthesize most important enzymes. Methods were developed, optimized, validated measure 10 genes steroidogenesis by use real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR. model known metabolism, both inducers inhibitors, assessed. Similar patterns observed acting common action. Time-course distinct time-dependent profiles able modulate metabolism. assay, allows simultaneous analysis numerous would be useful as sensitive integrative screen many