Review of the histological effects of the anti-androgen, flutamide, on mouse testis

This is a mini-review summarizing recent findings on the effect of flutamide (FLUT), an anti-androgenic toxicant, on the mouse testis, particularly on the ectoplasmic specialization (ES) in the testis. FLUT induces a reduction in the weight of male reproductive tissues, such as the prostate, because it inhibits the formation of the androgen receptors and testosterone retention. The present review summarizes the abnormal histological changes produced in the mouse testis by FLUT. In addition, we outline the effect of FLUT on the expression of cortactin, an actin-binding protein, in the mouse testis. FLUT is often used as a positive control for the identification of endocrine disrupting chemicals having anti-androgenic activities; therefore, a detailed understanding of the adverse effects of FLUT is important for the analysis of the risks to spermatogenesis by anti-androgen-like endocrine disruptors. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.