Epigenetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Testis Pathology and Sertoli Cell Epimutations: Generational Origins of Male Infertility

Environmental toxicant induced epigenetic transgenerational inheritance has been shown to affect testis pathology and sperm count. Sertoli cells have an essential role in spermatogenesis by providing physical and nutritional support for developing germ cells. The current study was designed to further investigate the transgenerational epigenetic changes in the rat Sertoli cell epigenome that are associated with the onset of testis disease. Gestating female F0 generation rats were transiently exposed to the toxicants DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) or vinclozolin. The F1 generation offspring were bred to generate the F2 generation which were then bred to the transgenerational F3 generation. The DNA was obtained from purified Sertoli cells isolated from 20-day testis of transgenerational F3 generation rats. Transgenerational alterations in DNA methylation were observed in the Sertoli cells.